Description

Farm workers perform a variety of tasks, by hand and machine, to produce and harvest crops and to breed and rear cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry.

Tasks

• Operates farm machinery to prepare soil, fertilise and treat crops cultivates growing crops by hoeing, spraying and thinning as necessary weighs and measures foodstuffs, feeds animals and checks them for any signs of disease cleans barns, sheds, pens, yards, incubators and breeding units and sterilises milking and other equipment as necessary Treats minor ailments, delivers vaccinations and other medicines under the direction of the veterinary surgeon, and assists the veterinary surgeon as required Catches, moves, and handles livestock, including in preparation for transport carries out maintenance on farm buildings, hedges, ditches and erects and repairs fences

Educational Requirements

There are no minimum academic entry requirements. Training is typically received on-the-job, supplemented by vocational training at an agricultural college. A variety of vocational qualifications in Agriculture are available at Levels 1, 2 and 3, together with BTEC diplomas and apprenticeships in some areas.