Farmers are responsible for producing food, fibre, and other products by managing land, crops, and animals. In the UK, farmers may specialise in arable farming (growing crops), livestock farming (raising animals such as cattle, sheep, or pigs), or mixed farming, which combines both. The role involves tasks such as planting, harvesting, maintaining equipment, caring for animals, and managing business aspects like finances and marketing. Farmers need practical skills, knowledge of modern agricultural techniques, and an understanding of environmental and animal welfare regulations.
The average salary for a farmer in the UK ranges from £20,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on the size and type of farm.
There are approximately 150,000 full-time farmers in the United Kingdom, with many more working part-time or seasonally.
Farmers often work long and irregular hours, especially during planting and harvesting seasons, with many working over 50 hours per week.
Works specifically with cows or goats to produce milk and other dairy products.
Grows fruits, vegetables, or grains using organic methods without synthetic chemicals.
Specialises in raising chickens, ducks, or other birds for meat or egg production.
Research different types of farming such as arable, livestock, dairy, or mixed farming to understand what interests you.
Farming is a diverse field. Some farmers focus on crops, others on animals, and some do both. You can start by reading books, watching documentaries, or visiting local farms to see what daily life is like. Consider joining farming clubs or volunteering at local community gardens to gain hands-on experience.
Arrange visits to local farms to talk to farmers and see their daily work in action.
Visiting farms can give you insight into the realities of the work, the challenges, and the rewards. It is a great opportunity to ask questions about working hours, skills needed, and what a typical day involves. Many farms offer open days or school visits, which are ideal for students.
Apply for part-time, weekend, or seasonal work on a farm to build practical skills.
Experience is highly valued in agriculture. Tasks may include animal care, planting, harvesting, or machinery operation. Even short-term work over school holidays can provide valuable insight. Look for opportunities through local farms, agriculture colleges, or online job boards.
Enrol in relevant courses at school or college, such as GCSEs or BTECs in Agriculture or Land-based Studies.
Many colleges offer courses in agriculture, animal management, or horticulture. These provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Some apprenticeships may also be available, combining work and study. Qualifications are not always required, but they can help you progress and open up more opportunities.
Apply for entry-level jobs, apprenticeships, or trainee positions on farms.
Many farmers start as farm workers or apprentices, learning on the job and working their way up. Apprenticeships offer structured training and a salary. Look for vacancies through job sites, local agricultural colleges, or farming organisations. Be prepared for hard work and long hours, especially during busy seasons.
With experience, move into roles with more responsibility, such as supervisor or farm manager, or consider starting your own farm.
As you gain experience, you may choose to specialise in certain crops or livestock, or take on management roles. Some farmers eventually lease or purchase their own land to start an independent business. Continuing professional development, joining farming networks, and keeping up with new technology will help you succeed in the long term.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Farmer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
You can get into this job through:
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
Courses and qualifications are available at agricultural colleges and universities.
You'll usually need:
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:
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
You could apply to do an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship, for example:
You could also apply to do an Assistant Farm Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you want to work in farm management.
You'll usually need:
You could get management experience by working as a supervisor, unit manager or assistant manager before moving into farm management.
Farmers work long hours especially during busy periods, such as lambing season and harvest time.
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:
You can get more information about farming careers from:
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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