Livestock handler careers in the United States are a rewarding profession for individuals who possess the patience to deal with animals. These positions necessitate responsibilities that are critical to the preservation of a variety of animals, including cattle, livestock, pigs, and poultry.
It is now quite common to observe numerous American farms and ranches seeking experienced livestock workers. In 2025, certain employers are prepared to assist these foreign workers in obtaining a visa to work in the United States. Information regarding all aspects is provided below.
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Key Points:
- Country: USA
- Job Title: Livestock handler
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Job type: Part-time/Full-time
Requirements for Livestock Handler Jobs in USA:
In the United States, specific qualifications and abilities are typically necessary to become a livestock handler:
- Animal Experience: Employers also prioritize candidates who have experience with livestock.
- Physical stamina is a requirement for cattle handling, which is frequently physically demanding. Handlers must be situated in a manner that allows them to elevate substantial objects.
- Basic Animal Knowledge: Livestock handlers must possess the ability to feed, hydrate, and monitor the behavior and requirements of a variety of animal breeds.
- Communication Skills: It may require time to establish a direct relationship with farmers, veterinarians, or other animal care professionals.
- Visa Sponsorship Eligibility: Employers may sponsor foreign nationals through visa programs like the H-2A visa, which is utilized to provide agricultural labor.
Duties for Livestock Handler Jobs:
The specific activities that livestock caretakers perform are contingent upon the type of farm and animal they are responsible for, as outlined below. Nevertheless, the following are the fundamental responsibilities:
- Feeding and Watering Livestock: It is the responsibility of handlers to ensure that animals are properly nourished and hydrated. This may involve mechanically administering pornography or operating feeding equipment.
- Animal Health Monitoring: The farm proprietor or veterinarian must be informed of any suspected cases of illness or injury by the workers who are responsible for the animals.Handlers may occasionally convey animals from one location to another, such as from a shed to a grazing field. This is known as herding and moving livestock.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: It is imperative to ensure the sanitation of the animals’ enclosures in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Providing Support for Breeding and Birth: They may directly participate in activities such as animal breeding and may even provide assistance to new mothers in the event of births on certain agricultural practices.
Benefits of Livestock Handler Jobs:
- Visa Sponsorship Opportunities: Numerous livestock handler positions provide visa sponsorships, including the H-2A visa, which enables foreign laborers to seek employment in the United States.
- Competitive Compensation: Livestock stewards frequently receive competitive compensation, which includes bonuses and overtime pay contingent upon performance.
- accommodation and Utilities: Employers frequently offer free or subsidized accommodation and utilities to their employees, thereby reducing the cost of living.
- Skill Development: The position is advantageous for future career advancement by improving one’s abilities in the areas of animal care, nutrition, handling, and livestock health monitoring.
- Health Benefits: A multitude of employers provide dental coverage, medical insurance, and other healthcare benefits.
- Long-Term Employment Opportunities: The successful completion of a seasonal or temporary employment may result in future contracts or permanent positions.
- Modern Equipment Accessibility: Workers acquire expertise in operating sophisticated agricultural machinery and equipment.
- Cultural Exchange: International laborers have the opportunity to establish global connections while experiencing American culture.
- Career Advancement: Livestock handler positions can function as a precursor to more advanced roles in the agricultural sector, including ranch management.
- Job Security: The agricultural sector provides consistent employment opportunities throughout the year due to the high demand for livestock handlers.
Handler Livestock Jobs:
The tasks that livestock handlers perform are contingent upon the types of animals that the company handles, and their occupations are classified into multiple categories. The following are a few examples:
- Cattle Handler: This position involves the care and management of livestock or dairy cattle, including the feeding, herding, and milking of the animals as necessary.
- Sheep Handler: Sheep handlers are responsible for the health, feeding, and shearing of sheep colonies.
- Poultry Handler: Poultry processors are accountable for the feeding, examination, and transportation of chickens, turkeys, or other animals through the processing chain.
Salary Expectations:
The salaries of livestock handlers vary across regions, as they are contingent upon the type of livestock, location, and experience.
Average Salary: In the United States, livestock handlers earn an average annual salary of 28,000 to 35,000 USD. Skilled caretakers are frequently compensated at a higher rate; however, this compensation is contingent upon the size of the ranches they manage or the specific type of livestock they are responsible for.
Hourly Wage: Nevertheless, the average hourly rate for the introductory level of the occupation ranges from $12 to $16 per hour. This may increase over time, particularly during periods of high demand or optimal population density, such as harvest season or periods of birth.
How to Apply?
The following steps should be taken to apply for livestock handler positions in the United States with visa sponsorship:
- Search for Jobs: Search for livestock handler positions that offer visa sponsorship on job listing websites, such as Indeed, AgCareers and ZipRecruiter. This is particularly inaccurate if, as is frequently the case, you are looking for a particular form of job, such as “livestock handler jobs for H-2A visas.”
- Customize Your Resume: Ensure that your resume accurately reflects your experience in livestock management and any relevant training certifications in animal care or agricultural machinery operation.
- Apply Online: Utilize the company’s homepage or any of the posting sites to submit an application for the position. Please ensure that all required documents, such as your resume, references, and documentation verifying your eligibility to apply for the visa, are submitted.
- Visa Application: Upon your employment, your employer is accountable for assisting you in the processing of your H-2A visa application. This entails the completion of certain forms, an interview at a U.S. embassy, and the submission of documents such as a legitimate passport.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is a livestock agent in the USA?
A livestock agent, also known as a livestock buyer, manages the buying and selling of farm animals, such as cattle, poultry, or swine. They work for their clients, including farmers, ranchers, meat processing plants, or other companies that use animal products.
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What is the handler position?
A handler is a professional who efficiently executes various operational tasks to facilitate smooth operations in an organization. They can be involved in logistical, supply chain, or inventory management tasks.
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What are the roles of livestock?
The livestock provides food and non-food items to the people. Food: The livestock provides food items such as milk, meat, and eggs for human consumption. India is the number one milk producer in the world. It is producing about 230.58 million tonnes during 2025.
