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Farmer

Alternative titles for this job include Farm manager

Farmers and farm managers grow crops and raise farm animals for food production.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

Variable variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • agriculture
  • land management
  • farm business management
  • crop and livestock production

Courses and qualifications are available at agricultural colleges and universities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

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:

  • agriculture
  • land-based operations
  • T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Entry requirements

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship, for example:

  • General Farm Worker Level 2
  • Poultry Technician Level 3
  • Livestock Unit Technician Level 3
  • Crop Technician Level 3

You could also apply to do an Assistant Farm Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you want to work in farm management.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 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

Work

You could get management experience by working as a supervisor, unit manager or assistant manager before moving into farm management.

More Information

Career tips

Farmers work long hours especially during busy periods, such as lambing season and harvest time.

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

You can get more information about farming careers from:

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • leadership skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • the ability to work on your own
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • business management 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

Your day-to-day tasks will depend on whether you work with animals, crops or a mix of both.

As a farmer you would:

  • plan production and manage the business
  • raise and manage livestock
  • plant, grow and harvest crops
  • manage budgets and negotiate with buyers and suppliers
  • maintain farm equipment
  • recruit, train and supervise farm staff
  • make sure the farm follows health and safety regulations and biosecurity standards

Working environment

You could work on a farm or in an office.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could become a farm consultant, advising other farms in areas like new technology, developments in feed and fertilisers and diversification.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

General Dairy farm worker, Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £15,704 to £25,396.80 a year Annually
  • Location: North Tuddenham, Dereham

Assistant Farm Manager Level 4 Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,800 a year Annually
  • Location: Royston
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

BTEC National Diploma in Agriculture

  • Provider: KINGSTON MAURWARD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 09 September 2025
  • Location: Dorchester

BTEC National Diploma in Agriculture

  • Provider: NORTH KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Tonbridge
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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