Farm worker

Career path and progression

With training, qualifications and experience, you could:

• supervise other farm workers
• work as a contractor, maintaining machinery, or supply services to more than one farm
• work in agricultural equipment and supplies
• become an assistant farm manger, which may involve moving between farms to get experience or a promotion

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• have a good level of fitness

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Farm workers need to understand animal health, reproduction, and nutrition to care for livestock properly. They also deal with crop biology – knowing how plants grow, what diseases affect them, and how to prevent problems is part of everyday farm life.
• Environmental Science - Farm workers manage land in ways that affect soil health, water quality, and local ecosystems. Understanding how farming practices interact with the environment – from crop rotation to drainage management – helps them work sustainably and protect the countryside.
• Design and Technology - Farm workers operate, maintain, and repair a wide range of machinery and equipment, from tractors to milking systems. Practical skills like understanding how mechanical systems work, using tools confidently, and solving hands-on problems are essential on a daily basis.

Also relevant

• Geography - Farm workers benefit from understanding weather patterns, soil types, and land use – all topics covered in geography. Knowing how climate and terrain affect what can be grown or grazed in different areas helps with planning seasonal work.
• Chemistry - Farm workers apply fertilisers, pesticides, and animal treatments that involve understanding basic chemical principles. Knowing how these substances work and how to handle them safely is important for protecting crops, livestock, and the environment.
• Mathematics - Farm workers use maths when measuring feed quantities, calculating crop yields, working out seed and fertiliser rates, and reading machinery settings. Basic numeracy is needed constantly for practical tasks across all types of farming.
• Business - Farm workers who progress to supervisory roles or become contractors need to understand budgets, costs, and how a farm operates as a business. Even at entry level, understanding supply chains and seasonal economics helps them see the bigger picture of their work.
• Food Preparation and Nutrition - Farm workers are at the start of the food supply chain, and understanding food safety, nutrition, and how produce reaches consumers gives useful context to their work. This is especially relevant on farms that process or sell food directly.