How to become a farmer
You do not need to grow up on a farm. Most new farmers start with an agriculture apprenticeship, the Agriculture T Level or a land-based college course, then work up to herd, farm or estate manager.
How do I become a farmer if my family doesn't farm?
Start with an agriculture apprenticeship, the Agriculture, Land Management and Production T Level or a land-based college course, then build experience in livestock, crops or agri-tech. Seasonal lambing or harvest work is a practical first step. The National Careers Service lists pay of about £24,000 rising to £50,000.
Last reviewed by the Shine careers team.
What does a farmer do?
- Look after livestock or crops through the seasons
- Drive and maintain tractors and machinery
- Use data, GPS and sensors to plan planting and feeding
- Keep records for welfare, safety and subsidies
Pay
Typical salary: £24,000 as a starter, rising to £50,000 with experience.
Apprentices under 19, or in their first year, earn at least £8.00 an hour from April 2026. Many employers pay more.
Sources: National Careers Service, gov.uk minimum wage rates. See also how much apprentices are paid.
What you need to get in
- Level 2 apprenticeships often have no formal GCSE requirement
- Level 3 and above usually ask for GCSE maths and English at grade 4
- Comfort working outdoors in all weather, and early starts
Routes in
Agriculture apprenticeship
General farm worker (Level 2), livestock or crop technician (Level 3), up to degree level.
T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Two years of study with a long farm placement.
Land-based college
Colleges such as Harper Adams, Reaseheath, Askham Bryan and SRUC run agriculture courses.
Seasonal farm work
Lambing, harvest or dairy relief work is a practical first step.
How to become a farmer, step by step
- 1
Try it first
Seasonal work, a Young Farmers' club or volunteering on a city farm shows you what the job is like.
- 2
Pick your area
Dairy, sheep and beef, arable, horticulture or agri-tech.
- 3
Find an apprenticeship or course
Search Shine, Find an apprenticeship and local land-based college vacancy boards.
- 4
Get your tickets
Tractor driving, ATV and pesticide certificates make you more employable.
- 5
Work towards management
Experienced workers move into herd, farm or estate management, or start their own business through tenancy schemes.
Skills employers look for
- Reliability
- Working with animals or machinery
- Planning ahead
- Physical stamina
Not sure you have them yet? Read our guide to transferable skills, or prepare for an interview.
Related guides
FAQs
- Can you become a farmer without a family farm?
- Yes. Many people start as farm workers or apprentices and later rent land through county council farms or tenancy schemes, or manage farms for others.
- How much does a farmer earn?
- The National Careers Service lists about £24,000 for starters rising to £50,000 with experience.
- Is there an agriculture T Level?
- Yes. The Agriculture, Land Management and Production T Level runs for two years with a long placement on a farm or estate.
- Do I need a degree to be a farmer?
- No. Apprenticeships and college courses are common routes. Degrees help for management and agri-science roles.
- Do farm apprenticeships include accommodation?
- Some do, especially on dairy and estate farms. It is never guaranteed, so check the advert.
Last reviewed 23 September 2026 by the Shine careers team.
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