Farm Worker

Also known as:

Agricultural Worker

Introduction

Farm workers carry out the general duties involved in running a farm. Work may be on an arable farm dealing with crops, a livestock farm specialising in the rearing of animals, or a farm that mixes both aspects.

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Work Activities

Farm workers carry out the general duties involved in running a farm. Farm workers employed on arable farms specialise in duties related to the growing of crops, for example cereals, potatoes or soft fruits. Workers employed on livestock farms specialise in the rearing and care of animals. Some farms mix arable and livestock farming, employing either specialist workers or workers with experience in both aspects.

Most farms are in rural areas and farm workers are usually based outdoors, often working in muddy or smelly conditions. They drive tractors, operate complex machinery and farm equipment, and maintain and repair farm buildings. Farm workers on arable farms spend a lot of time in the fields sowing, planting, ploughing and harvesting crops. Farm workers specialising in livestock farming feed, water and care for the animals, keep the farm clean and hygienic, and maintain records.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must be practical, reliable, responsible and aware of health and safety issues at all times. If working with animals, you must be confident about handling them.

It is important to be adaptable and ready to carry out a variety of tasks. You will need to follow instructions accurately and work to a routine.

You must be fit and strong with good stamina and able to work alone for long periods. You must not be allergic to animals or suffer from hay fever.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Farm workers earn in the range of £17,500 - £22,000 a year, rising to around £22,000 a year, and higher salaries are possible.

Farm workers usually work a basic 39-hour week. However, working hours may 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, mainly in rural areas, throughout the UK. There are 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 farm workers. There are more opportunities for casual and seasonal work.

Jobs are normally advertised in farming magazines and local newspapers.

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Adult Opportunities

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 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.

Distance learning courses in various farming specialisms are offered by the Horticultural Correspondence College.

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

• 27% of people in occupations such as farm worker work part-time.
• 35% 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.