Farm Stockman/woman

Also known as:

Cattle Hand
Cowherd
Dairy Cattle Hand
Shepherd
Stockman/Woman

Introduction

Farm stockmen/women look after livestock, mainly cattle, pigs and sheep. This involves the general welfare of animals including feeding, cleaning, milking and health care.

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Work Activities

Stockmen/women, including shepherds, look after livestock, which is mainly cattle, pigs and sheep.

Their main responsibility is the health and welfare of the animals. The sickness or death of an animal can have serious financial effects, so it is essential to monitor each animal's condition carefully. This is a major task, as there may be 2000 pigs or a herd of 200 cows to look after. Stockmen/women count the animals and observe them carefully, checking for signs of ill health.

They also note changes in the breeding cycle. They need to know when to arrange for artificial insemination or mating. Once this has taken place, they look after the animals while they are carrying their young, are present at births and tend the offspring.

When animals are sick stockmen/women nurse them. They give injections, carry out minor operations and call in vets when necessary.

Buildings have to be kept clean and tidy and the animals provided with fresh bedding every day. Indoor feeding is another responsibility, although this may be carried out using machinery. Mucking out may also be done by mechanical means.

Dairy stockmen/women are responsible for milking. This is usually automated; however, cows have to be herded into the milking parlour and the machinery fitted.

At certain times of the year, stockmen/women may do general farm work such as tractor driving, helping with the harvest, and maintaining buildings and fences.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Stockmen/women usually spend most of their time alone with the animals. You will need to make decisions and use your initiative. A strong sense of responsibility is required.

It is important to be adaptable and be ready to do a variety of tasks. You will need to be able to use technical information, for instance, when administering drugs.

Caring for animals can be smelly, dirty work and is not suitable for the squeamish.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Stockmen/women earn in the range of £11,500 - £14,500 a year, rising to around £16,000. Higher earners can make around £22,000 a year.

Stockmen/women work a basic 39-hour week. However, working hours may include evening/weekend work and irregular hours.

Employment is on farms in rural areas throughout the UK. There are now about 184,000 farm workers in the UK. However, there are only about 15,000 salaried posts. A large number of the workforce is made up of part-time and seasonal workers.

Full-time vacancies can be few and many farms can afford to employ only one or two full-time stockmen/women. There are more opportunities for casual and seasonal work.

Jobs are normally advertised in farming magazines and local newspapers.

Self-employment is possible, for example as a contract shepherd looking after several flocks.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now 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 to courses have skills and abilities gained in relevant farm work.

Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

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

• 23% of people in occupations such as farm stockman/woman are self-employed.
• 15% work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 3% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as conservation or countryside management.