Farmworkers, Farm & Ranch Animals

Work description

Feed and water livestock and monitor food and water supplies. Herd livestock to pastures for grazing or to scales, trucks, or other enclosures. Examine animals to detect illness, injury, or disease, and to check physical characteristics, such as rate of weight gain. Mark livestock to identify ownership and grade, using brands, tags, paint, or tattoos. Inspect, maintain, and repair, machinery, buildings, pens, yards, and fences. Provide medical treatment, such as administering medications and vaccinations, or arrange for veterinarians to provide more extensive treatment. Drive pickups, tractors, and other equipment to distribute feed to animals. Mix feed, additives, and medicines in prescribed portions. Perform duties related to livestock reproduction, such as breeding animals within appropriate timeframes, performing artificial inseminations, and helping with animal births. Shift animals between grazing areas to ensure that they have sufficient access to food. Move equipment or livestock from one location to another, manually or using trucks or carts. Maintain water tanks to ensure livestock have access to fresh water including filling tanks, breaking ice, etc.

View the official U.S. Department of Labor source

Last updated: October 7, 2026