Farmer

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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for agricultural colleges|https://nlbc.uk/partners/members/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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

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:

• The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture
• Tasty Careers
• Lantra

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

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.