The Complete Guide for Young People Wanting to get into Farming

Are you a young person with a passion for the outdoors and a desire to contribute to one of the most vital industries in the world? Farming might be the career path for you. It’s more than just a job—it’s a lifestyle that keeps you connected to the land and the food supply. As the agricultural sector evolves with new technologies and sustainable practices, there are plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved. Whether you want to manage a large-scale farm or run a small organic operation, this guide will help you get started.

What is Farming?

Farming is one of the oldest and most essential professions in the world. It provides the food and resources that sustain society, but it's much more than simply planting crops and raising animals. Farming is a way of life that requires a deep connection to the land, a strong work ethic, and an ability to adapt to ever-changing conditions. For those looking to pursue a career in farming, it’s essential to understand the range of activities a farmer undertakes daily, the skills required, and the challenges and rewards that come with this vital role.

What Does a Farmer Do?

A farmer's role can vary greatly depending on the type of farm they work on. For example, tasks on a dairy farm will differ significantly from those on an arable or fish farm. Regardless of the type of farm, farmers are responsible for the health and productivity of their land, animals, and machinery. Their duties often change with the seasons and can involve early mornings, long hours, and physically demanding work.

Here are some of the typical responsibilities of a farmer:

Operating Vehicles and Machinery: Farmers often need to drive tractors, trucks, and other machinery to transport goods or carry out farm work like ploughing, seeding, and harvesting. Whether it's a dairy, crop, or livestock farm, having the ability to drive can be essential—not only for moving around the farm but also for accessing rural areas where many farms are located.
Maintaining Equipment and Buildings: Ensuring that equipment such as tractors, ploughs, and milking machines are in good working condition is a critical part of a farmer’s job. Farmers also need to maintain the buildings on their farms, ensuring produce is stored hygienically, and animals have clean, comfortable living conditions.
Caring for Livestock: For livestock farmers, animal welfare is paramount. This includes feeding animals, cleaning their living spaces, and checking on their health regularly. Farmers may also be responsible for milking cows, shearing sheep, and assisting with births during lambing or calving seasons.
Managing Crops: On arable farms, the focus is on planting, tending, and harvesting crops like wheat, corn, or vegetables. This involves preparing fields by ploughing and seeding, applying fertilisers, and ensuring crops receive enough water. Farmers must also protect their crops from pests and diseases, often through the use of crop spray or other treatments.
Building and Repairing Infrastructure: Farming involves maintaining the land’s infrastructure, such as repairing fences, walls, and gates, or trimming hedges that divide fields. Keeping the farm secure and functional is essential to protecting both crops and livestock.
Monitoring Animal Health: Farmers closely monitor the health of their animals, checking for any signs of illness or discomfort. They must be familiar with veterinary care, administering medicines when needed and keeping detailed records of any treatments. Animal welfare legislation and health guidelines must be strictly adhered to, ensuring that the animals are cared for humanely.

Is Farming Right for You?

Farming is a lifestyle as much as it is a career, and it’s not for everyone. It requires dedication, patience, and a love for the land and animals. The work is physically demanding, and the hours can be long and unpredictable. However, for those with a passion for agriculture, it offers unparalleled rewards. The satisfaction of nurturing crops or animals from the ground up, the connection to nature, and the ability to see the direct results of your hard work can make farming an incredibly fulfilling career choice.

Understanding the Industry

Before you dive into farming, it's essential to understand the various types of farming and industry trends. Here's a breakdown of the primary categories:

Arable Farming: Focuses on growing crops like wheat, barley, and vegetables.
Livestock Farming: Involves raising animals such as cattle, sheep, and poultry.
Dairy Farming: Specialises in milk production and dairy products.
Organic Farming: Emphasises sustainable practices and avoids synthetic chemicals.

Additionally, pay attention to industry trends such as the rise of precision farming, which uses technology to improve efficiency, and the growing focus on sustainability. These are shaping the future of agriculture and could provide exciting career opportunities.

Education and Training

While formal education isn't always required, having a background in agriculture can provide a solid foundation and open doors to advanced career opportunities.

Agricultural Colleges: Many colleges offer courses like the Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture.
Universities: Consider degrees in agricultural science, agribusiness, or environmental science to deepen your knowledge and expand your career options.

Practical training is invaluable in farming. Apprenticeships, internships, and volunteering during peak seasons like planting and harvest can provide you with real-world experience and connections within the industry.

Gaining Practical Experience

Farming is a hands-on career, so gaining practical experience early on is key. Start with seasonal work or part-time jobs on local farms to build essential skills and learn the daily operations. Networking is also crucial—attend agricultural shows, fairs, and industry events to meet professionals and learn about job openings. Many opportunities in farming come from connections and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Developing Essential Skills

Farming requires a unique blend of technical and soft skills:

Technical Skills: You'll need to know how to operate machinery, manage crops, care for animals, and handle basic maintenance tasks.
Soft Skills: Farming often involves teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. You’ll also need to be physically fit, as the work can be demanding.

These skills will make you a valuable asset in various farming roles and help you handle the challenges that come with the job.

Finding Job Opportunities

When you're ready to start your job search, there are several places to look for farming opportunities:

Job Boards & Recruitment Agencies: Websites like Agricultural Recruitment Specialists are excellent resources for job listings.
Local Resources: Check with local agricultural societies, cooperatives, and community boards.
Social Media: Follow farms and agricultural organisations on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, as many post job openings and opportunities for internships or volunteer work.

Preparing Your Application

Once you find a job opportunity, it’s time to craft your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant experience, whether in farming or other fields, and showcase skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Tailor your cover letter to each role, emphasising your passion for farming and willingness to learn.

Succeeding in Interviews

To stand out in interviews, do your homework:

Research the Employer: Understand the type of farming they specialise in and how your skills align with their needs.
Practical Demonstrations: Be ready to discuss or demonstrate your practical skills. Some employers might even ask you to participate in a trial day.
Ask Thoughtful Questions: Inquire about the farm’s practices, future plans, and opportunities for growth. This shows you’re genuinely interested and serious about the role.

Starting a career in farming can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires dedication, education, and hands-on experience. By following these steps—understanding the industry, gaining practical experience, developing essential skills, and preparing for job opportunities—you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate in this dynamic field. Remember, persistence and a genuine passion for agriculture will go a long way in helping you achieve your farming career goals.

Farming is not just a job—it’s a way of life that supports the global food system and connects you to the land. Are you ready to take the first step into this rewarding industry?