Description

Farmers and related occupations cultivate arable crops, fruits and trees, and raise cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and other livestock for consumption.

Tasks

• Feeds and waters animals, takes responsibility for livestock health and welfare, treats minor ailments and calls vet if necessary
• Plants, propagates, sprays, fertilises and harvests field crops
• Undertakes farm maintenance tasks such as fencing, hedging, cleaning and building maintenance
• Operates and maintains farm machinery such as combine harvesters, straw balers, milking machines and tractors
• Arranges for the sale of crops, livestock and other farm produce
• Maintains records of production, finance and breeding
• Ensures good environmental practice is observed in all tasks.

Educational Requirements

No formal academic qualifications are required, but prior practical farming experience is normally needed. Training is typically received on-the-job and via a variety of vocational qualifications in agriculture, including NVQs/SVQs at Levels 1 to 4. Apprenticeships are also available in some areas.