Head Stockperson - Sundown Valley

Hancock Agriculture; Armidale; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

On-site accommodation

New England region living

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Hancock Agriculture in Sundown Valley, NSW seeks an experienced Head Stockperson to lead the Wagyu livestock program with a strong welfare focus on a large, land-based operation.

Reporting to the Property Manager, you will supervise herd management, record stock data, train staff and maintain facilities while upholding safety and environmental standards on site.

Qualifications

• Experience moving, handling and processing cattle with calm methods.
• Minimum 4 years in a stock camp; proven livestock experience.
• Solid horsemanship and motorbike skills; safety-minded.
• Leadership and supervisory capabilities demonstrated.
• Good grasp of technology and computer use in farming.
• Ability to promote safe work practices and welfare standards.
• Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving on farm tasks.
• Ability to record information accurately and communicate clearly.
• Hold a current class C driver’s license (truck license a plus).

Responsibilities

• Supervise and implement effective herd management and mustering.
• Accurately record stock numbers in the information system.
• Provide leadership, supervision and training to stock camp staff.
• Maintain and develop facilities and improvements on site.
• Monitor land and environmental issues and respond accordingly.
• Assist with purchasing and procurement as required.

Skills

Cattle handling

Leadership

Horsemanship

Digital communication

Computer literacy

Tools

Livestock information system

Job description

• LocationSundown Valley, NSW, 2350,Australia
• Employee TypeFull Time

Description

We are seeking an experienced Head Stockperson with a genuine passion for animal welfare and life on the land.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an industry-leading agribusiness and play a key role in a high-performing livestock operation.

About the Property

Located in the stunning New England region of NSW, Sundown Valley offers a picturesque setting with convenient access to the regional centres of Armidale and Tamworth. The property plays a pivotal role in Hancock Agriculture's Wagyu business, focused on the production of premium, high-quality cattle.
Spanning approximately 22,000 hectares, Sundown Valley runs a herd of more than 12,000 head and manages an annual turnover of 15,000 to 20,000 cattle. The operation is underpinned by intensive rotational grazing across agronomically managed pastures, with a strong emphasis on performance, long-term sustainability, and the production of high-quality cattle and pasture systems.

About the Role

Reporting to the Property Manager, the Head Stockperson will assist with planning, implementing and evaluating the livestock program and related Property operations. Your key duties will include:

• Supervising and undertaking effective and timely herd management, including mustering programs
• Accurate recording of stock numbers for the livestock information system
• Providing leadership, supervision and training of stock camp team members
• Maintaining and developing facilities and improvements
• Monitoring and responding to land and environmental issues
• Assisting with purchasing.

About You

• Experience in the movement, handling and processing of cattle, using calm and quiet methods with the advantage of digitalised communication, improved weaner cradles, cattle crushes and yard shading
• Minimum 4 year’s experience in a stock camp
• Sound horsemanship and motorbike skills
• Proven livestock assessment and husbandry experience
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills
• A good grasp of technology and computer literacy
• Ability to promote and maintain safe work practices
• Good understanding of animal welfare practices
• Mechanically minded
• Ability to record information and communicate effectively in the workplace
• Hold a current class C driver’s license (truck license an advantage, or be willing to obtain)

What We Offer

• Competitive remuneration
• The opportunity to live and work in the New England Region
• Comfortable on-site accommodation
• A collaborative team environment that values respect, support, and community

About Hancock Agriculture

Hancock Agriculture is a renowned agricultural company encompassing Hancock Pastoral, Wagyu Operations, and S. Kidman & Co. Pty Ltd. We manage over 20 properties across Australia, covering 3.49 million hectares. As one of Australia’s largest producers of Wagyu and commercial cattle, we maintain a herd of over 150,000.

We oversee every step of the process — from breeding to feeding and sales — ensuring the highest standards of animal husbandry, traceability, and quality assurance. At Hancock Agriculture, we are proud to offer our team members the chance to be part of an organisation that upholds these exceptional standards.

We strongly encourage Australian Defence Force veterans to apply.

Additional Information

Please note: You must have the right to live and work in Australia. This is a permanent position and not available to Working Holiday Visa holders (backpackers), nor do we offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.