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

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

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

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

You'll need:

• leadership skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• business management skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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.