What’s it all about then?

You’ll probably be employed by an organisation that owns pigs across a number of sites which are being contract managed by other farmers.

The job involves supporting the farmers in their production and ensuring that performance is optimised, through the application of a variety of management practices.

You’ll not actually be physically involved with the running of each farm but rather the role is one of an advisor, visiting each farmer and checking animals and production systems, and meeting with the Farmers/Farm Managers.

What might I be doing?

Your job will likely include the following tasks:

• Regular visits to farms to monitor performance
• Ensuring high levels of welfare and production efficiencies
• Assisting will selection of animals for slaughter
• Making sure that all quality assurance requirements are met
• Recording relevant performance figures and generating statistics
• Conducting performance trials as needed
• Assisting with feed ordering and production forecasting
• Controlling animal transport between different sites
• Ensuring supply chain effectiveness

What will be expected of me?

First and foremost you’ll have to be someone who enjoys working with animals in general and pigs in particular.

You’ll be expected to deal with different farmers and suppliers during your work so you need to be someone with good verbal communication skills, so you can get your points across

Generating statistics means that you will also need to be numerate and able to use the various IT software programmes that store information and generate statistics.

You’ll also be expected to have some experience for this job, perhaps as a general farm operative in the first instance.

And of course you will need a clean driving licence as you will be travelling between sites.

What can I expect?

Whilst you will work a 39 hour week this is likely to involve working outside of normal working hours, depending on the production cycle.

This is likely to include evenings and weekends.

Depending on the type of farm you could be working either indoors or outdoors, so be prepared for all sorts of weather.

However the work is extremely rewarding and you will see the benefits of your work very clearly.

What about the pay?

Your salary will depend on your experience and also the employer and location of the work

You could be looking at £14000 to £16000 per annum and with experience this will increase to a level in excess of £20000.

Other allowances may also be available, such as paid overtime, mileage allowance or even a company vehicle.

Please note that these figures are for your guidance only and will vary extensively; you should always check for up to date information!

What qualifications do I need to get in?

Most of the companies employing a fieldsperson will be looking for someone with qualifications up to and including a degree although you’ll already have had some practical experience working on a pig farm, possibly as a general farm worker.

You may also have qualifications such as the City & Guilds Level 2 diploma in Agriculture and the BTEC Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Agriculture; alternatively you may have completed a level 3 Apprenticeship in Agriculture whilst you’ve been working.

Relevant degrees include those in subjects such as Agriculture, Animal Production, and Animal Science and so on.

Where would I get these qualifications?

These degrees and associated qualifications are available at locations around the UK and you should check prospectuses for up to date information

Some examples include:

BSc (Hons) in Agriculture with Animal Production Science at Newcastle University

BSc (Hons) in Agriculture and Animal Science at Aberystwyth and Harper Adams

What about further training?

If you want to move into farm management then you may want to think about taking a course combining agricultural knowledge and management skills.

There are specialist post graduate qualifications available to you as you progress through your career, for instance the MSc in Livestock Production Science offered by Writtle College at the University of Essex.

Another good idea would be to consider joining the Pig Industry Professional Register – this body recognises professionalism throughout the pig industry and encourages members to continue to develop both themselves and their skills – this is a great way to progress in the industry.

Details available on www.pipr.org.uk

Anything else I might need to know?

Yes, with experience a fieldsperson can move into more senior positions and become specialists in particular areas of the industry.

This means that you should continue to develop your skills throughout your career, and take on as many qualifications as you can.

The job of Fieldsperson is a progressive and fulfilling career opportunity for those who enjoy working with animals and not the dirty, smelly, poorly paid job with no prospects that many wrongly believe!