Farmer

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 foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• agriculture
• land management
• farm business management
• crop and livestock production

Courses and qualifications are available at agricultural colleges and universities.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could start your career in farming by doing a course at an agricultural college like:

• 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.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could get farming experience through an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship like:

• General Farm Worker Level 2
• Poultry Technician Level 3
• Livestock Unit Technician Level 3
• Crop Technician Level 3

You could also apply to do an Assistant Farm Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you want to work in farm management.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could get management experience by working as a supervisor, unit manager or assistant manger before moving into farm management.

You could also take qualifications on the job like the Level 4 Certificate in Work-based Agricultural Management.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• business management skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• thinking and reasoning skills
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• leadership skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• customer service skills
• concentration skills
• knowledge of biology

What you'll do:

Farmers and farm managers grow crops and raise farm animals for food production.

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

Location : You could work on a farm or in an office.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

Career Path:

With experience you could move into related areas, such as becoming an adviser, consultant or trainer. This includes being an adviser for the government.