Farming & Agriculture – jobswithanimals.co.uk

Why should I consider a career in farming & agriculture?

Farming and agriculture sit at the heart of everything we eat, wear and use. It is physically demanding, technically complex work that keeps the country fed.

If you love working outdoors, caring for animals, and doing work that genuinely matters, agriculture could be a brilliant fit.

The sector is also changing fast: modern farming blends traditional animal husbandry with technology, sustainability, and innovation, meaning there's far more variety in agricultural careers than most people expect.

Whether you're drawn to working with livestock on a family farm or developing sustainable food systems for the future, there's a place for you here.

What kinds of farming & agriculture jobs are available?

The range of roles in farming and agriculture is much broader than it might first appear.

On the animal side, you'll find positions like stockperson, livestock manager, dairy farm worker, poultry technician, and pig unit supervisor, all focused on the day-to-day care, health, and welfare of farm animals.

Beyond hands-on animal care, there are roles in farm management, agricultural contracting, rural surveying, and agri-tech for those interested in the business or technical side.

The sector also connects into related fields like animal nutrition, veterinary support, feed sales, and agricultural research.

Do I need qualifications to work in farming & agriculture?

Not always, and this is one of the most accessible sectors for school leavers.Many entry-level roles, particularly on livestock farms, are open to people with no formal qualifications, as long as you have enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn.

That said, qualifications can definitely help you progress. T Levels in Agriculture and BTEC Level 3 in Agriculture are popular routes for school leavers, while organisations like Lantra and the Royal Agricultural University offer specialist training and degrees for those wanting to go further.

Apprenticeships are a particularly strong pathway: the Level 2 and Level 3 Livestock Unit Technician apprenticeships let you earn while you learn on a working farm.

If you already have A Levels or equivalent, a degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, or Veterinary Nursing can open doors to management and specialist roles.

Job security & demand: is farming a stable career?

Agriculture is one of the few sectors that will always exist. People will always need food, and animals will always need care.

According to DEFRA's Agricultural Workforce Survey, the total farming workforce in England has been declining steadily, meaning fewer people are doing this work while the land, livestock, and demand remain.

The skills gap is particularly acute in livestock and dairy: research by Arla Foods UK found that one in ten dairy farmers has had to scale down their herd due to difficulties recruiting staff.

Perhaps most striking for anyone thinking about entering the sector, around 40% of farm holders in England are currently aged 65 or over.

The next generation of skilled farm workers is genuinely needed, and that's where you come in. The sector is also evolving fast, with growing investment in agri-tech, sustainable farming, and food security creating new types of roles that didn't exist a decade ago.

1 in 10

Dairy farms has reduced its herd size due to difficulties finding skilled staff.

40%

Of England's farm holders are aged 65 or over. The sector urgently needs the next generation.

Only 16%

of principal farmers in England are women, making it one of the least gender-balanced sectors in animal careers

Source: Arla Foods UK

DEFRA Agricultural Workforce Survey, 2024

Source: DEFRA Agricultural Workforce Survey, 2024

1 in 10

Dairy farms has reduced its herd size due to difficulties finding skilled staff.

Source: Arla Foods UK

40%

Of England's farm holders are aged 65 or over. The sector urgently needs the next generation.

Source: DEFRA Agricultural Workforce Survey, 2024

Only 16%

of principal farmers in England are women, making it one of the least gender-balanced sectors in animal careers

Source: DEFRA Agricultural Workforce Survey, 2024

The good bits

Working with animals every day. Watching a herd or flock thrive under your care is deeply satisfying, and hard to replicate in any office job
No two days are the same. The variety of tasks, seasons, and situations keeps the work interesting and engaging
Genuinely essential work. Food production matters, and most people in agriculture feel a real sense of purpose in what they do
Strong community. Farm teams tend to be tight-knit, and rural agricultural networks are warm and supportive
Fast progression for the right people. Skilled stockpeople and farm managers are in short supply, so dedicated workers can move into senior roles relatively quickly
Accommodation is often included, particularly on larger farms, which can be a significant financial benefit
The outdoors lifestyle. Fresh air, physical activity, and connection to the land are things farm workers consistently rate highly

The not-so-good bits

Early starts and long hours, particularly during busy periods like lambing, calving, or harvest, when the days can be very long
Physical demands. This is hands-on, outdoor work in all weathers, and it can be tough on the body
Entry-level pay can be modest, though it improves meaningfully with experience, specialism, and responsibility
Transport is often essential. Rural locations mean public transport is rarely an option, so having your own vehicle is usually necessary
The emotional side of livestock care. Animal illness, injury, and loss are part of the job, and it's worth feeling prepared for that
Weather dependency. Outdoor work means you're at the mercy of the elements, which isn't for everyone

Watch & Listen

Clarkson's Farm (Amazon Prime) - a surprisingly honest look at the realities of modern farming in the UK, with plenty of animal content
This Farming Life (BBC Two) - a documentary series following real farming families across Scotland, with a strong focus on livestock
Farming Today (BBC Radio 4/podcast) - daily farming news covering food, farming and the countryside. The most widely listened to farming programme in the UK.

Read

The Shepherd's Life by James Rebanks - a beautifully written memoir about hill farming in the Lake District
Pastoral Song by James Rebanks - a follow-up exploring the tension between industrial and traditional farming
The Farmers Weekly - a bi weekly magazine and website for current industry news and job listings

Explore

Lantra - the sector skills body for land-based industries, with training and career pathway information
AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) - useful for understanding the industry landscape
Farming UK - news and resources for people working in and entering the sector

Where can I find farming & agriculture jobs?

You're already in the right place! Browse our Farming & Agriculture jobs to see the latest roles from across the UK.

If you enjoy physical work, love being around animals, and want a career that feels meaningful and varied, farming and agriculture is well worth exploring. It's a sector that genuinely needs passionate people, and with the right experience and training, it offers a rewarding long-term career path. Take a look at our current listings and see what's out there.

We also recommend checking:

Many farm jobs are also advertised locally. Notice boards at agricultural merchants, feed suppliers, and local Facebook farming groups can be a great source of unadvertised vacancies.

Browse Farming & Agricultural Jobs