Farmer
Job Description:Farmers and farm managers grow crops and raise farm animals for food production.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day tasks will depend on whether you work with animals, crops or a mixture of both.
You could:
- make sure the farm follows health and safety standards and regulations
- feed and check on animals, or fertilise and harvest crops
- buy and sell animals or crops
- set budget and production targets and keep records
- help maintain farm equipment
recruit, train and supervise farm workers
Skills:
You’ll need:
- business management skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- to be flexible and open to change (adaptability skills)
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- the ability to work on your own (independence)
- physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
- excellent verbal communication skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could take a degree in:
- agriculture
- land management
- farm business management
- crop and livestock production
Courses and qualifications are available at agricultural colleges and universities.
College
You could start your career in farming by doing a course at an agricultural college for example in the UK, a :
- Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities
- Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture
- T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
This could teach you some of the skills and knowledge you might need in this job.
Apprenticeship
You could get farming experience through an apprenticeship like:
- General Farm Worker
- Poultry Worker
- Poultry Technician
- Livestock Unit Technician
- Crop Technician
Work
You could get management experience by working as a supervisor, unit manager or assistant manager before moving into farm management.
Working Hours and Environment:
Typical working hours are 39-41 hours a week but these could vary.
You could be expected to work on the weekend, on public holidays or in the evenings.
You could work on a farm or in an office.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could move into related areas, such as becoming an adviser, consultant or trainer. This includes being an adviser for the government.