FARMER

1. Entry requirements

There are no set requirements. You’ll need practical farming experience, gained by working as a supervisor, dairy or arable unit manager, or assistant manager.

Most farm managers have a qualification in agriculture, like a foundation degree, HND or degree in a subject like agriculture or farm business management. 

2. Skills required

You’ll need:

• business management skills
• the ability to organise and motivate staff
• budgeting skills
• the ability to find and develop new activities to keep the farm profitable

3. What you'll do

You could work on one of the main types of farm — livestock (animals), arable (crops) or mixed (animals and crops).

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• planning how the farm will run 
• setting budget and production targets 
• buying and selling animals or produce 
• keeping financial and stock records 
• recruiting, training and supervising staff

You may do practical farm work, like looking after livestock, driving tractors and other machinery, or harvesting crops. You may also have responsibility for other areas like a farm shop, horse riding facilities or tourist accommodation.

4. Salary

Starter: £20,000 to £22,000

Experienced: £23,000 to £35,000

Highly Experienced: £50,000 or over

You may be provided with rent-free accommodation or a vehicle. You may also get other benefits like farm produce.

These figures are a guide.

5. Working hours, patterns and environment

Your hours will vary depending on the time of year. At busy times you’re likely to work long hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends.

You’ll work in an office and also outside in all weather conditions. 

6. Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into other areas, like agricultural advisory work for government bodies, consultancy or teaching.