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Farm secretary

Alternative titles for this job include Agricultural business administrator, rural business administrator

Farm secretaries are responsible for the day-to-day running of the business side of farms.

Average salary (a year)

£16,000 Starter

to

£37,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Farm secretary

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • training with a professional body

College

You may find it useful to do a college course in a relevant subject like a:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
  • Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration
  • Level 3 Certificate in Accounting
  • T Level in Management and Administration

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or an Assistant Farm Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You could apply directly for jobs. Employers will usually ask for GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

You'll also need experience of office administration and knowledge of bookkeeping.

Other Routes

You could take a training course through a professional body like The Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators.

You can take these courses whether you're working in the farming industry or are looking for a change of career.

More Information

Career tips

An understanding of farming or rural life will be helpful, particularly if you've lived or worked on a farm before.

Further information

You can find out more about working as a farm secretary through The Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • administration skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work on your own
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties you could:

  • use tailor-made agricultural business software
  • keep records of livestock and crops to help with crop and stock planning
  • apply for government grants and subsidies
  • prepare farm business accounts and tax returns
  • deal with wages and staff records
  • cost, order and pay for equipment and supplies
  • do typing, filing and other general administrative tasks
  • keep up to date with farming, health and safety and tax laws

Working environment

You could work in an office, from home or on a farm.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a farm manager.

You could also move into other types of rural business, like stables or countryside management, or use your business and administrative skills in other industries.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Business Administration Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £12,480 a year Annually
  • Location: HA8 6LE

APPRENTICE ADMINISTRATOR

  • Wage: £13,000 a year Annually
  • Location: NORTH CIRCULAR ROAD, LONDON
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Business Administration L1 Cert

  • Provider: HAVERING LONDON BOROUGH COUNCIL
  • Start date: 12 February 2025
  • Location: Not known

Business Administration BTEC Diploma

  • Provider: SOLIHULL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Solihull
Find courses near you

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