Farmer
Farmers and farm managers grow crops and raise farm animals for food production.
Also known as: Farm manager
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£50,000 a year
What you'll do
Your day-to-day tasks will depend on whether you work with animals, crops or a mix of both.
As a farmer you would:
- plan production and manage the business
- raise and manage livestock
- plant, grow and harvest crops
- manage budgets and negotiate with buyers and suppliers
- maintain farm equipment
- recruit, train and supervise farm staff
- make sure the farm follows health and safety regulations and biosecurity standards
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- leadership 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 able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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
College
You could do a course at agricultural college to learn some of the skills you'll need to start your career in farming.
Courses include:
- agriculture
- land-based operations
- T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship, for example:
- 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
Work
You could get management experience by working as a supervisor, unit manager or assistant manager before moving into farm management.
Career path and progression
With experience you could become a farm consultant, advising other farms in areas like new technology, developments in feed and fertilisers and diversification.
Career tips
Farmers work long hours especially during busy periods, such as lambing season and harvest time.
Professional and industry bodies
You could become a member of the National Farmers Union (NFU) to keep up to date with developments in 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
- keep up to date with rural issues
- network with other young people
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleFarm worker
- Job roleAgricultural contractor
- Job roleFish farmer
- Job roleFarm secretary
- Job roleAgricultural inspector
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0