Livestock
Must love animals
The livestock industry offers opportunities to work directly with many species of animals or to work with organizations affiliated with the care, processing, training and promotion of each species.
Outlined below is a sampling of careers the livestock sector has to offer. The amount of training required is a general guide. More or less training could be necessary for a specific job.
High school tips
If you're in high school and interested in a livestock-related career requiring a four-year degree or additional education, it is recommended you take biology courses in addition to the suggested college preparatory courses determined by the college of your choice. It is also beneficial to take career and technical education courses relating to agriculture, veterinary science or business.
If a livestock-related career requiring less training than a four-year college degree appeals to you, you're encouraged to participate in a career and technical education program relating to agriculture.
Careers that require advanced degrees:
- Veterinarian
- Research-Animal Health, Food Safety, Packaging, Food Science, Veterinary Medicine
- Species Specific Extension Specialist
Careers that require a 4-year college degree:
- Animal Products Processing Plant Supervisor
- Animal Nutritionist
- Research-Animal Health, Food Safety, Packaging, Food Science, Veterinary and Human Medicine
- Animal Products Quality Lab Technologist
- Engineering-Milking Parlor Design, Barn Design, Manure Management, Equipment
- Animal Health Inspector
- Packaging Specialist for Feed, Animal Products or Veterinary Pharmaceuticals
- Agronomist-Forage Crops, Grain Crops
- Food Scientist-Dairy Products, Meats, Etc.
- Horse Racing Industry Professional
- Livestock Industry/Breed Specific Organization Management and Promotion
Careers that require at least some post-high school training or a 2-year degree:
- Artificial Breeding Technician
- Livestock Salesperson
- Feedlot Manager
- Seed Sales
- Feed Sales
- Equipment Dealer
- Herdsman/Farm Manager
- Equine Trainers
Careers that do not require a college degree but require certifications and training:
- Hoof trimmer
- Farrier
- Sheep Sheerer
- Custom Harvest/Storage of Silage and Haylage
- Milk Truck Driver
- Milking Machine Operator
- Egg Collection and Processing
- Livestock Hauler