Farmer

Career description

As a farmer, you are responsible for the daily care of crops or livestock and the management of a farm. You work outdoors a lot and need practical skills, such as knowledge of agricultural machinery and animal welfare. It is a physically demanding profession with irregular working hours, often early mornings and weekends.

Salary range

Salaried: €2,300 - €3,400 (Netherlands) gross per month (varies by industry, region, and experience).

Compare salaries across careers.

Education and preparation

Education level for Farmer: MBO.

Focus on practical experience, internships, and specializations that fit this field.

RIASEC profile for this career

Top profile: Realistic (90%), followed by Enterprising (70%).

Scores: R 90 • I 50 • A 20 • S 20 • E 70 • C 20

About the Farmer career

As a farmer, you take on the vital role of producing food and managing the land. Your work involves caring for crops or livestock, ensuring that the farm operates smoothly and sustainably. This job suits people who enjoy working outdoors, have a practical mindset, and appreciate the rhythms of nature.

Farming requires physical stamina and a hands-on approach. If you like working with your hands, using machinery, and solving practical problems, this career could be a good fit. It also suits those who don’t mind early mornings and variable hours, including weekends during busy seasons.

A working day as a Farmer

A typical day on the farm starts early, often before sunrise, with tasks like feeding animals, checking crops, or operating machinery. You spend much of your time outdoors, adapting to the weather and seasonal demands. Depending on the size and type of farm, your work might involve planting, harvesting, animal care, or maintenance of equipment and buildings.

You often work independently but also collaborate with other farm workers, suppliers, and sometimes agricultural advisors or veterinarians. Communication and teamwork are important when coordinating tasks or managing resources. You may also handle business aspects such as budgeting, ordering supplies, and marketing your products.

Your schedule varies throughout the year, with intense periods during planting and harvest seasons. Flexibility is key, as weather conditions and animal needs can change daily priorities. Although physically demanding, the work offers variety and a strong connection to the land and food production.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Operating and maintaining agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Feeding, monitoring, and caring for livestock to ensure their health and welfare.
• Planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops according to seasonal cycles.
• Managing farm finances, including budgeting and purchasing supplies.
• Monitoring soil health and applying fertilizers or pesticides responsibly.
• Repairing fences, buildings, and irrigation systems on the farm.
• Keeping records of farm activities, production, and compliance with regulations.

Skills and traits

Practical skills

Farming requires hands-on abilities to operate machinery, handle animals, and perform repairs. Being comfortable with tools and equipment ensures tasks are completed efficiently and safely.

Physical stamina

The work often involves long hours outdoors and physical labor, such as lifting, bending, and working in various weather conditions. Good endurance helps you maintain productivity throughout the day.

Problem-solving

You must respond to unexpected challenges like equipment breakdowns or weather changes. Being able to think quickly and find practical solutions keeps the farm running smoothly.

Time management

Balancing multiple tasks and adjusting to seasonal demands requires strong organizational skills. Effective time management helps you prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.

Animal welfare knowledge

Understanding the needs and health of livestock is essential for ethical and productive farming. This knowledge helps you recognize signs of illness and provide appropriate care.

Basic business skills

Managing a farm includes financial planning, marketing, and compliance with regulations. Business skills enable you to run the farm sustainably and profitably.

Which personality fits?

Your RIASEC profile shows a strong Realistic interest at 85%, meaning you enjoy working with hands-on tasks, tools, and practical activities in natural settings. This aligns well with farming’s physical and outdoor nature, where direct interaction with the environment is central.

The Social (50%) and Investigative (40%) scores suggest you also appreciate working with others and solving problems. You might enjoy collaborating with farm workers, advisors, or veterinarians, and using knowledge to improve farming methods. Enterprising (40%) indicates some interest in managing and making decisions, fitting the business side of farming, while Artistic (30%) and Conventional (30%) show moderate preferences for creativity and organization, which can support innovative and efficient farm management.

Education and route

Most farmers begin with vocational education, such as an MBO-level program focused on agriculture or horticulture. These programs teach practical skills in crop production, animal care, machinery operation, and basic farm management. This hands-on training prepares you for the physical and technical demands of farming.

Internships or apprenticeships on working farms are common and highly valuable. They provide real-world experience and help you understand the daily realities of farm life. Learning from experienced farmers also builds your confidence and practical knowledge.

While there are no specific degree programs required, some farmers choose to pursue further education in agricultural sciences or business to enhance their skills. This can include bachelor's degrees in agriculture or related fields, which offer deeper insight into modern farming techniques, sustainability, and farm economics.

Pay and career progression

Your earnings as a farmer depend on several factors including experience, the size and type of farm, and the region or country where you work. Agricultural markets and government policies also influence income. Because farming involves both production and business management, your financial success often grows as you gain expertise and improve farm productivity.

Career progression can lead from working as a farm employee to managing your own farm or agribusiness. Experienced farmers may diversify into specialized crops, organic farming, or value-added products. Some choose to expand their operations or take roles in agricultural consultancy, education, or supply industries.

Where do you work?

Family-owned farms

These farms often involve multi-generational operations where you may work alongside relatives and manage diverse tasks.

Commercial farms

Larger-scale farms focused on producing crops or livestock for national or international markets.

Organic farms

Farms specializing in organic production methods, requiring knowledge of sustainable practices and certification standards.

Agricultural cooperatives

Organizations where farmers collaborate to share resources, marketing, and sales efforts.

Agricultural research or education centers

Places where farming techniques and innovations are developed and taught, suitable for those interested in applying new knowledge.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Work outdoors and connect with nature daily.
• Develop practical and diverse skills in agriculture.
• Contribute to food production and sustainability.
• Enjoy a varied and physically active workday.

Cons

• Physically demanding and sometimes exhausting work.
• Long and irregular hours, including early mornings and weekends.
• Income can be unstable due to weather and market fluctuations.
• Requires managing many responsibilities, from hands-on tasks to business decisions.

The future of this career

Technology is increasingly shaping farming, with innovations like precision agriculture, drones, and automated machinery improving efficiency and sustainability. These tools can reduce physical strain and optimize resource use, but also require farmers to learn new skills.

Societal focus on sustainability and environmental impact is driving changes in farming practices. There is growing interest in organic methods, renewable energy, and conservation, which may influence how farms operate and what products they produce.

Does Farmer suit you?

• Do you enjoy working outdoors and being physically active?
• Are you comfortable using machinery and tools in practical tasks?
• Do you like managing multiple responsibilities and solving problems on the go?
• Are you interested in caring for animals and understanding their needs?
• Do you want to be involved in producing food and managing natural resources?

Frequently asked questions about Farmer

Do I need a university degree to become a farmer?

A university degree is not required to become a farmer. Many start with vocational education that provides practical skills, although further education can be helpful for advanced knowledge or managing larger operations.

Is farming a physically demanding job?

Yes, farming involves physical labor such as lifting, operating machinery, and working outdoors in various weather conditions. Physical stamina is important to handle the long and sometimes strenuous workdays.

What are typical working hours for a farmer?

Farmers often work early mornings and may have irregular hours depending on the season and tasks. Busy periods like planting and harvest can require long days and weekend work.

Can I start farming without experience?

While it is possible, gaining experience through internships, apprenticeships, or working on a farm is highly recommended. Practical knowledge helps you understand the demands and skills needed for successful farming.

How stable is the income in farming?

Income can vary due to factors like weather, market prices, and production levels. Farming requires good management and sometimes diversification to maintain financial stability.

Is it possible to change careers into farming later in life?

Yes, many people switch to farming from other careers. Starting with practical training and gaining hands-on experience can help make the transition smoother and more successful.

Next step

Want to know if Farmer really suits you? Take the free career test and compare your personal profile with this career.