Work with Farm Animals or on a Farm

Imagine idyllic rural scenes of contented cows grazing in a meadow, new-born lambs frolicking in the sunshine and assorted hens scratching and pecking around the yard.

Then consider the size of the steaming muck heaps, wet cold mud and miserable winter mornings- that's the other side of working with farm animals!

What are Farm Animals?

Bulls, cows, sheep, pigs, geese, ducks, chickens, goats and some breeds of horse were once regarded as typical farm animals. Changes in agriculture, since WWII especially, have led to different types of farming.

Llamas, alpacas and ostriches are not considered to be unusual farm animals these days! Beef cattle and dairy herds, along with numerous breeds of sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks and geese still feature most though.

Where to Find Farm Animals

For people born into farming families, the animals and associated farm work is their way of life. For those wanting to get into working with farm animals, there are other routes available. It may not even be necessary to live in an agricultural area.

If there's any sort of family-run farm shop or small scale outdoor adventure park nearby, the chances are there will be a selection of farm animals kept, too! These places can help someone who is new to keeping livestock. Even if there is no paid work available, the experience of helping, perhaps by looking after chickens, pygmy goats, or whatever is kept in the 'pets corner' is worth pursuing.

Agricultural colleges offer full time courses (qualifications may be necessary) evening classes, condensed courses in specific elements of animal husbandry and day-release tuition for those already on farm animal placements. Alternatively, find out if any local farmers are able to offer seasonal work.

Farm Labour

Looking after farm animals is hard work, so physical strength is crucial; as is stamina! Even with automated milking parlours, tractors and fork-lift trucks (both need a licensed driver) there is still a significant amount of lifting, bending, carrying and standing to do. Inevitably-with all animal work-a large proportion of time is spent mucking out and generally clearing up after the animals and preparing for the next mess!

Practical clothing should be worn (preferably overalls kept especially for the job) and sturdy boots, possibly with steel toe-caps, depending on duties.

General duties include feeding, milking, moving livestock, worming, dipping animals and giving medication or treatment where necessary. Strict immunisation programmes must be carried out, some with a vet in attendance. The selection of next season's breeding stock and animals destined for market has to be planned and organised.

Where groups of young animals are kept together various procedures may need to be carried out by experts to avoid injury (like de-horning calves)

There is always work to be done on animal housing! Fence repairs, disinfecting, relocating, hanging gates, erecting shelters, installing automated-watering systems and ventilation-the list is endless and something a new farm worker will be expected to learn and get on with.

Office Skills

All farms have paperwork to do. Workers who are good communicators, computer literate and have efficient record-keeping skills are an asset to any farm office as every animal must have its own details on file.

Future Prospects as a Farm Worker

Wages for unskilled, manual, labour are low. However, the experience gained by doing general work on any farm is a useful start for anyone wishing to pursue a career in rural industries. Without relevant qualifications wages will not increase much, but, the ability and willingness to be versatile will improve employment prospects.

Opportunities to specialise may present themselves locally. If the unskilled farm worker has an interest in milk production, they can find out what dairy herds are run in their area and make enquiries. Do likewise with beef cattle, poultry, sheep and pig farming for other farm animal work.

Agricultural machinery suppliers and farmers markets are further options, as is arable farming. The wages may not be very attractive, in some instances, but there are other benefits. Housing is often provided for the right candidates and the rural way of life has many attractions.