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Farmers and farm managers grow crops and raise farm animals for food production.
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; flexibly
Your day-to-day tasks will depend on whether you work with animals, crops or a mix of both.
As a farmer you would:
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work on a farm or in an office.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
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.
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:learn new skills; keep up to date with rural issues; network with other young people
You can get more information about farming careers from:The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture; Tasty Careers; Lantra
With experience you could become a farm consultant, advising other farms in areas like new technology, developments in feed and fertilisers and diversification.