Working in Agriculture
There are various careers in farming, at all levels. Farming covers work with livestock, fish or crops. Some farms have both animals and crops.
To start a job in farming, it is useful to have gained knowledge and skills through some practical work experience, for example, during holidays or at weekends.
In farming, the hours can be long and irregular. You need to be physically fit and willing to work outdoors in all types of weather.
Farm Manager
Farm managers are responsible for the smooth running of farms, and for all the staff, activities and resources involved in this. They meet the needs of, and report to, the owner of the farm.
The work involves planning budgets, keeping records, managing farm workers, dealing with technical issues, and making decisions about buying and selling.
Farm Stockman/woman
Stockmen/women are responsible for the health and welfare of livestock, which is mainly cattle, pigs and sheep.Their tasks include:
- Monitoring the condition of the animals.
- Nursing sick animals.
- Keeping buildings clean and tidy.
- Looking after pregnant animals.
Stockmen/women are there when animals give birth and they tend to the offspring. Dairy stockmen/women are also responsible for milking.
They work long and irregular hours, usually on their own.
Farm Worker
Farm workers carry out the general duties involved in running a farm.
Workers employed on livestock farms specialise in the rearing and care of animals. They have duties such as watering and feeding animals, cleaning out pens, herding animals to different fields or into milking parlours, and keeping careful records.
On arable farms, workers are involved in sowing, planting, ploughing and harvesting crops such as potatoes, cereals and fruit. They use equipment, for example, tractors and combine harvesters, store crops in grain silos and barns, and prepare crops for sale.
Some farms mix arable and livestock farming. For all farm workers, general duties can include driving tractors, clearing ditches and maintaining walls, buildings and equipment.
Fish Farm Manager
Fish farm managers supervise the breeding and rearing of fish for food, sport and ornamental pools. They manage the whole process, from hatching fish eggs to harvesting the fish for sale.
Depending on the size of the farm and the number of staff there, managers might be involved in practical tasks such as feeding fish, cleaning ponds and tanks, and checking for disease and pollution.
Managers make careful plans, including setting and monitoring budgets. They are in charge of staff recruitment and training, book-keeping, ordering stock and equipment, negotiating contracts and making distribution arrangements.
Fish Farm Worker
Fish farm workers rear fish for food, ornamental pools, and the restocking of lakes and rivers for angling.
Duties include feeding the fish, inspecting them, cleaning tanks and repairing equipment. Fish farm workers need to be physically fit and willing to work outdoors in all types of weather.