Farmer

Alternative titles for this job include Farm manager

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

Average salary (a year)

£21,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a farmer

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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could become a member of the National Farmers Union (NFU) to keep up to date with the farming industry.

The National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs also supports young people in agricultural work and those interested in rural life. 

You could join to:

  • learn new skills
  • enter competitions
  • network with other young people

Further information

You can get more information about farming careers from Tasty Careers, The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture and LANTRA.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work on your own
  • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • business management skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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 and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Poultry Assistant – Free Range Laying Hens

  • Wage: £13,650.00 Annually
  • Location: BEVERLEY ROAD, MARKET WEIGHTON, YORK

Farm Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £9,609.60 to £18,964.40 Annually
  • Location: STOKE LACY, BROMYARD

Courses In England

Level 2 Diploma Agriculture

  • Provider: HARTPURY COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 12 September 2024
  • Location: Gloucester

Agriculture Level 2 Diploma

  • Provider: WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Moreton Morrell

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