Australia’s farming and agriculture industries are some of the most important sectors of the national economy, supplying both domestic and international markets with fresh produce, livestock, meat, dairy, grains, and horticultural products. As these sectors continue to grow, they face chronic labour shortages, especially in rural and regional areas where there are not enough local workers. This has opened thousands of opportunities for foreign workers seeking farming and agriculture jobs with visa sponsorship.
In 2025, demand for agricultural labour is expected to increase significantly. Employers across fruit farms, livestock stations, dairy farms, grain crops, nurseries, and food processing facilities are actively searching for skilled and semi-skilled workers from abroad. Many companies offer visa sponsorship through temporary and long-term visa programs, making agriculture one of the easiest industries for migrants to enter.
This guide provides a detailed overview of farming and agriculture jobs in Australia, including duties, job types, visa requirements, skills needed, salary expectations, and how foreign workers can apply successfully.
Why Australia Needs Foreign Workers in Agriculture
Australia’s farming sector experiences persistent worker shortages due to several factors:
- Regional and remote locations where local workers prefer not to relocate
- Seasonal nature of the work
- Growing export markets
- Retirement of older farmers and experienced labourers
- The need for physically capable and specialised workers
Because of these shortages, Australian employers frequently rely on foreign workers to maintain production levels. Visa sponsorship has therefore become a practical solution for addressing labour gaps, making agricultural employment accessible to thousands of international applicants.
Types of Farming and Agriculture Jobs Available With Sponsorship
Agriculture in Australia is diverse, offering roles for both skilled and unskilled workers. Foreign applicants can find opportunities in livestock production, fruit picking, machinery operation, horticulture, grain farming, dairy processing, and more.
Below are the most common job categories.
Farm Labourers
Farm labourers perform general duties such as planting, weeding, harvesting, fertilising, maintaining crops, feeding animals, setting up irrigation, and performing routine farm tasks.
Fruit Pickers & Harvest Workers
Fruit picking is one of the most in-demand seasonal jobs. Workers harvest fruits such as apples, berries, citrus, mangoes, avocados, stone fruits, and grapes.
Vegetable Farm Workers
Duties include planting, watering, greenhouse management, picking vegetables, grading produce, and packing.
Livestock Workers
Livestock jobs involve sheep, cattle, poultry, and pig farming. Workers feed animals, assist with breeding, handle livestock, maintain sheds, and manage fences.
Farm Machinery Operators
These workers operate tractors, harvesters, forklifts, loaders, and irrigation equipment. Skilled operators receive higher salaries due to their technical ability.
Dairy Farm Assistants
Duties include milking cows, feeding cattle, cleaning facilities, monitoring animal health, and assisting in milk production.
Horticulture and Nursery Workers
Workers handle flowers, plants, seedlings, landscaping plants, pruning, and propagation.
Meat Processing & Abattoir Workers
Processing facilities sponsor foreign workers to assist with cutting, packing, processing, cleaning, and operating machinery.
Agricultural Technicians
Skilled roles include soil testing, pest control, crop management, irrigation design, and machinery maintenance.
Because agricultural businesses rely on both skilled and unskilled workers, there are sponsorship pathways available for a wide range of job seekers.
Visa Options for Agriculture Jobs in Australia
Foreign workers can access farming and agriculture jobs through several visa categories. The most common include:
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS 482)
This visa allows employers to sponsor skilled agricultural workers such as livestock managers, machinery operators, and agricultural technicians.
Visa length: 2–4 years
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
Supports regional employers hiring skilled workers.
Offers pathway to permanent residency.
Employer Nomination Scheme (186 Visa)
For long-term or highly experienced agricultural workers in skilled roles.
Seasonal Worker and Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Programs
Designed for workers from specific countries to fill seasonal agricultural jobs.
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa
For workers needed temporarily for specialised tasks such as machinery repair.
Knowing which visa applies to your occupation helps you prepare properly for sponsorship.
General Duties in Australian Agriculture Jobs
Responsibilities vary depending on the job type, but common tasks across farming operations include:
Crop Farming Duties
- Planting seeds and seedlings
- Irrigating crops
- Operating farm machinery
- Harvesting fruits and vegetables
- Sorting and packing produce
- Checking crop health
Livestock Farming Duties
- Feeding and watering animals
- Monitoring animal health
- Cleaning sheds and barns
- Moving livestock between paddocks
- Assisting with breeding
- Maintaining fences and equipment
Machinery Operation Duties
- Driving tractors, loaders, and harvesters
- Repairing and maintaining farm equipment
- Mixing chemicals and fertilisers
- Using GPS farm technology
General Farm Maintenance Duties
- Cleaning work areas
- Repairing irrigation systems
- Building or fixing fences
- Using hand tools and power tools
Employers typically provide training based on the type of farm and seasonal requirements.
Skills and Qualifications Required
Agricultural jobs do not always require formal education, but having relevant skills increases your chances of sponsorship.
Skills Helpful for Agriculture Jobs
- Physical strength and stamina
- Ability to work in outdoor conditions
- Basic mechanical ability
- Experience with animals or crops
- Teamwork and communication
- Knowledge of farm tools and equipment
Qualifications for Skilled Agricultural Roles
Skilled positions such as livestock managers, veterinary technicians, and machinery operators may require:
- Cert III or IV in agriculture
- Diploma in horticulture
- Mechanical/engineering qualifications
- Experience in large-scale farming
Foreign workers with strong agricultural backgrounds often receive priority for sponsorship.
Salary Expectations for Farming and Agriculture Jobs
Salaries vary depending on location, job type, skill level, and employer. Below are general salary ranges for agricultural workers in Australia:
Entry-Level and General Farm Workers
AUD 50,000 – 65,000 per year
(Workers with little experience or seasonal roles)
Skilled Farm Workers
AUD 65,000 – 85,000 per year
(Livestock handlers, dairy assistants, nursery workers)
Machinery Operators
AUD 70,000 – 95,000 per year
(Tractor drivers, harvest machinery operators, forklift drivers)
Agricultural Technicians
AUD 75,000 – 110,000 per year
(Soil testers, pest control specialists, irrigation technicians)
Farm Managers and Supervisors
AUD 90,000 – 140,000+ per year
(Highly experienced workers in leadership roles)
Salaries can increase significantly in remote regions due to housing allowances or isolation payments.
Benefits of Working in Australian Agriculture
Agriculture is one of the friendliest and most accessible industries for foreign workers. Key benefits include:
Visa Sponsorship Opportunities
Many employers in regional Australia actively sponsor international workers.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Skilled workers in agriculture may transition to permanent residency through the regional visa stream.
Free or Subsidised Accommodation
Some farms provide on-site housing or rental support.
Training and Career Growth
Workers can learn machinery operation, livestock management, and horticulture skills.
High Demand and Job Security
Agriculture remains essential, making long-term employment likely.
Chance to Experience Rural Australia
Many workers enjoy Australia’s countryside lifestyle, wildlife, and unique farm environments.
Challenges Foreign Workers Should Expect
While rewarding, agricultural work can also be physically demanding and sometimes challenging.
Long Hours During Peak Seasons
Harvest periods often require overtime or extended shifts.
Remote Locations
Most farms are located outside big cities.
Outdoor Working Conditions
Workers must be comfortable working in hot, cold, or rainy conditions.
Physical Labour
Strength and stamina are essential for many tasks.
Understanding these challenges helps applicants prepare mentally and physically.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Sponsored
Foreign workers can significantly improve their sponsorship success by following these strategies:
Gain Relevant Experience
Even 6–12 months of farm work increases your chances dramatically.
Learn Machinery Operation
Farm machinery operators are in high demand and receive faster sponsorship.
Be Open to Regional and Remote Work
Most sponsorship opportunities are in rural locations, not major cities.
Prepare a Strong Resume
Highlight farm experience, technical skills, and physical capabilities.
Show Commitment
Employers prefer workers who plan to stay long-term.
Complete Agricultural Courses
Short training programs or certifications help you stand out.
How to Apply for Farm Jobs With Sponsorship
Applying for agriculture jobs involves several steps:
Step 1: Identify Suitable Job Roles
Understand whether you want crop farming, livestock handling, machinery operation, or technical work.
Step 2: Prepare Key Documents
Common requirements include:
- Passport
- Resume
- Experience letters
- References
- Certificates (if any)
Step 3: Apply to Regional Employers
Agricultural companies, farms, and processing facilities hire year-round.
Step 4: Attend Interviews
Interviews often include questions about physical ability, past farm experience, and willingness to work in rural areas.
Step 5: Receive a Job Offer and Sponsorship
Once hired, the employer nominates you for the appropriate visa.
Step 6: Lodge the Visa Application
Submit documents, complete health checks, and wait for approval.
Conclusion
Australia’s farming and agriculture industry offers some of the strongest visa sponsorship opportunities for foreign workers in 2025. With thousands of labour shortages across fruit farms, livestock properties, dairy farms, horticulture plantations, and machinery operations, international workers are essential to keeping the sector running.
Whether you are an experienced farm worker, a machinery operator, a livestock handler, or someone with no formal qualifications looking for a new opportunity, the agriculture industry provides a welcoming pathway to employment and potential long-term residency. With the right skills, determination, and willingness to work in regional Australia, securing a sponsored farm job can be your gateway to a rewarding career and a new life in Australia.