How to become a Farmer
Official title: Farmers
Also called: Farmer, Beef farmer, Fish farmer, Game farmer, Dairy farmer, Sheep farmer, Trout farmer, Salmon farmer, Farm agent, Pig keeper, Pig manager, Calf rearer
Farmers and related occupations cultivate arable crops, fruits and trees, and raise cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and other livestock for consumption.
Main 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
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship (England): Crop technician (level 3). England. Typically 24 months. Skills England standard ST0018.
- Apprenticeship (England): Livestock unit technician (level 3). England. Typically 18 months. Skills England standard ST0938.
Pay · Outlook
- Median full-time pay: £35,295 a year
- About 134,400 people work in this job now, and about 147,400 are projected by 2035. (+9.6%)
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Farmer?
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.
How much does a Farmer earn in the UK?
Median full-time pay is £35,295 a year (Office for National Statistics).
Is a Farmer a growing career in the UK?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2035, from about 134,400 to about 147,400 people (Department for Education).
Do you need a degree to become a Farmer?
Usually not. Only 19% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Crop technician (level 3).
Sources
- Office for National Statistics: Annual Population Survey: employment by occupation (April 2025 to March 2026), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Office for National Statistics: SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions (2026-08-27 edition), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Department for Education: Skills Imperative 2035: employment projections by occupation (2021 to 2035 (Warwick IER / Cambridge Econometrics)), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Office for National Statistics: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Table 14 (2025 provisional), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03