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Crop Farmer

Crop farmers assist or manage farms that grow a wide variety of crops, including cereals, such as wheat, barley or maize; pulses, such as peas and beans; vegetable crops, such as potatoes, carrots and onions; and grasses for seed.

Tasks & duties

Crop farmers may do some or all of the following:

decide what crops will be grown, and develop a planting schedule
prepare land for planting, using tractors and cultivators
plant seeds
ensure crops are well watered and fertilised, and are free of weeds, disease, and contaminants
shift irrigation systems
test the pH (acidity and alkaline) levels of the soil to plan for fertiliser use
comply with spray and environmental regulations
harvest crops and arrange for their sale
keep farming, production and financial records
train and supervise farm workers
buy seed, fertiliser, machinery and other farm materials
check, clean, and maintain equipment
transport grain to silos (storage towers)
burn or bale (gather and compress into bundles) the stubble (the straw left behind after harvesting)
farm animals or fatten livestock
keep up to date with markets and developments in the industry

Skills & knowledge

Crop farmers need to have:

ability to grow and harvest various types of crops
knowledge of crop diseases, weeds and pests, and how to control them
knowledge of climate and weather conditions
knowledge of soil and crop rotation, and cultivation and harvesting methods
knowledge of food safety, market certification, and quality requirements
skill using agricultural fertilisers and chemicals
skill driving combine harvesters and other farm vehicles
administration, computer, accounting and planning skills
general maintenance and basic mechanical skills
knowledge of health, safety, and employment regulations
people management and communication skills

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for becoming a crop farmer, but an agricultural qualification is recommended. A range of arable farming courses are offered through universities and the Agriculture Industry Training Organisation.

You can also train by doing an apprenticeship. Crop farmer apprenticeships are part of the Modern Apprenticeships scheme, which is for people aged 16 to 21.

A heavy vehicle driver's licence or fork-lift licence is useful.

Secondary education

Although there are no specific secondary educational requirements for becoming a crop farmer, three years of secondary schooling is preferred. Useful subjects include maths, and sciences such as biology and chemistry.

Training on the job

Most skills are learned on the job, including driving and operating farm machinery. Crop farmers may keep up to date with developments in the industry through research on the Internet. Courses and seminars on topics such as drying and storing crops, and the use of fungicides, are also available.

Federated Farmers website - information about farming events, training and courses