Farm worker

Farm workers carry out the general duties involved in running a farm. Work may be on an arable farm, a livestock farm, or a farm that mixes both crops and animals.

Also known as:

• Agricultural worker

Work activities

On arable farms, workers are involved in sowing, planting, ploughing and harvesting crops such as cereals, potatoes and fruit. Some arable farm workers produced “combinable crops”, which include wheat, barley, oats and sugar beet. Farm workers dealing with combinable crops might use lots of mechanical equipment, such as computerised tractors to plough to a set depth or drills that can seed a field very quickly and precisely. Farm workers who grow vegetables might pick the crop by hand or harvest them mechanically. They store or pack up the crop and send it to a processor or distributor. There are also arable farm workers who grow non-food crops such as oilseed rape (for biofuels), hemp (for the construction industry) and borage (for the pharmaceutical industry). Arable farm workers use tractors for ploughing, drilling seeds, spreading fertilisers and spraying crops. They use combine harvesters to cut, separate and clean crops. Farm workers store crops in grain silos and barns.

Livestock farm workers look after animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and poultry. Their tasks depend on the animals they work with but could include:

• Preparing feed.
• Milking cows.
• Shearing sheep.
• Loading and unloading livestock for transport.
• Helping with feeding programmes.
• Checking the animals for signs of illness.
• Keeping accurate records of animal numbers and any treatments they have been given.

On mixed farms, workers have both arable and livestock duties. Farm workers also have general tasks such as:

• Driving small lorries to collect or deliver materials.
• Looking after hedges and areas of woodland.
• Maintaining ditches.
• Servicing and repairing vehicles and machinery.
• Mending walls and fences.
• Cleaning, maintaining and repairing buildings.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a farm worker, you’ll need:

• To enjoy working outdoors in all types of weather.
• Willingness to do hard, physical work, which can also be dirty and smelly.
• Practical skills. You need to be prepared to do lots of different tasks.
• The ability to use equipment and also do some minor repairs.
• A responsible attitude, to deal with equipment and chemicals that could be dangerous if not properly looked after.
• The ability to get on without much supervision and not mind working on your own for long periods.
• Teamwork skills.
• Number skills, for things like counting and weighing.
• The ability to keep careful records.

For some aspects of farm work, you might need a full driving licence.

Pay and opportunities

Pay for farm workers varies depending on the type of farm and level of responsibility. The pay rates given are approximate. Farm workers earn in the range of £18,000, rising to up to £25,000 with experience. Higher salaries are possible for people in more senior positions, such as supervisors.

Farm workers usually work a long 46-48-hour week. However, working hours might include evening/weekend work and irregular hours, depending on the season and weather (for example, they work longer hours when harvesting crops in summer).

Employment is on farms of all sizes. Opportunities for farm workers occur mainly in rural areas throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers and farming magazines, on the Government’s Find a Job service, and on job boards.

Entry routes and training

Many people find work and then have on-the-job training. You could also decide to go to college to take a full-time course before looking for a job. Relevant courses include those from Edexcel (BTEC), City & Guilds, and from Lantra.

A level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in the role of general farm worker is also a great place to start. Skills and knowledge gained through work experience are valuable. You could get some experience during your holidays, at weekends or through a work experience placement.

Training is usually on-the-job. It can be possible to find a job and study part-time; some employers enable farm workers to go to college on a day-release basis. You might be able to work towards a City & Guilds land-based services award, certificate or diploma.

You could be promoted to a supervisor or unit manager position, responsible for a team of farm workers. However, you might need to move farms (for example, to a larger farm) to take up a higher-level position. With a lot of experience, and, usually, qualifications (such as a foundation degree, HND or degree), you could work your way up to become a farm manager, running the farm on the owner’s behalf.

Qualifications

To enter a job as a farm worker, you don’t usually need any qualifications, although it would be an advantage to have some GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Entry requirements for college courses vary depending on the college and the level of the course. You should contact colleges to find out more.

If you wish to enter this career through an intermediate apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have gained skills and knowledge through relevant farm work or other practical work experience. Colleges will usually consider applications from adults who don’t meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

Funding for further study may be available from the Studley College Trust. Candidates should see the Trust website to check on eligibility.

Related careers

• Countryside ranger
• Farm manager
• Farm stock manager
• Fish farm worker
• Groundskeeper
• Horse groom
• Horticultural worker
• Park warden
• RSPCA inspector