What’s it all about then?

Your job as a herdsperson involves looking after the livestock on a farm.

This means responsibility for ensuring all of the animals are properly nourished and that the farm complies with health and welfare laws.

You’ll also be responsible for achieving all output targets for growth and milking etc. depending on what the farm produces.

Many farms have more than one type of business (e.g. dairy and beef) so you’ll be kept busy; you may also have a supervisory role.

What might I be doing?

This will depend somewhat on the type of farm business for which you’re employed but the following might be expected:

• Monitoring the general welfare of the animals and reporting any issues or problems
• Ensuring all animals are correctly fed and watered
• Controlling the movement of livestock as necessary
• Ensuring all animals are properly tagged and identified
• Using computers to maintain production and other records accurately
• Selecting replacement stock and helping to plan breeding programmes
• Working safely and sensibly at all times around large animals
• Maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of animals, buildings and equipment
• Supervising staff as necessary
• Operating and maintaining systems, equipment and machinery
• Assisting with production of feed crops for the livestock
• Ensuring all legislation is complied with
• Performing manure management in accordance with safe systems of work and environmental compliance laws
• Managing the grazing of livestock

What will be expected of me?

You’ll need to be physically fit and enjoy working with animals in outdoor conditions for long periods of time.

You could be working as part of a team or on your own so make sure you’re happy with either scenario.

You’ll be expected to be able to resolve issues quickly when they arise and be a hard working well motivated and adaptable sort of person.

You’ll also need to be flexible as the working week will vary depending on the workload at any particular time.

Competence in using technical information is also required.

What can I expect?

You can expect to work long hours when the work demands this and of course farming is a 7 days per week enterprise so weekends will need to be covered too.

You can expect to work both indoors and outdoors depending on the type of business and the time of year.

What about the pay?

In the various UK nations Agricultural Wages Boards set minimum wage levels which are legally enforceable to make sure all agricultural workers are fairly paid.

Salaries will vary depending on how many personnel are required to tend the herd. Often only one herdsperson may be required, who may have responsibility equivalent to a head herdsperson. Large farms on the other hand with large herds might need a team, hence the variation.

However you might expect the following levels:

A starting salary of £22000 can be payable for a qualified herdsperson rising to £25000 with experience and increased levels of responsibility

If you become a herd manager with managerial duties as well, then you may earn up to £45000 per annum

You may also be entitled to rent free accommodation and/or other benefits.

What qualifications do I need to get in?

There are no particular set qualifications for the role of herdsperson but typically you will have gained several years experience as a general farm worker and possibly taken some qualifications as well during this time.

The qualifications noted are similar to those for the general farm worker:

You could consider a Level 3 Apprenticeship or Diploma in Agriculture after you leave school which will provide you with a sound grounding in your job as well as a qualification.

You could then continue your studies with the FdSc in Agriculture and Technology

You could also take short courses such as operating a particular piece of agricultural equipment, tractor driving or fork lift operation. If your job involves tasks such as operating chainsaws and using pesticides, you will need to have relevant certificates of competence as a legal requirement

As well as this there are numerous specialised courses available which will help you do your job more effectively; machine and other suppliers often offer training as well

Where would I get these qualifications?

Many areas have agricultural colleges within a suitable travelling distance and you should check out their prospectuses in the first instance.

Further education colleges also offer courses which could prove useful for you if you’re going to pursue a career in farming.

What about further training?

If training and qualifications appeal to you then look for suitable degrees that you can take at your local universities. You will find that many courses are available on a part time or even distance learning basis and you can fit them around your work schedule.

For a herdsperson considering farm management a business qualification might be of interest and these are widely available

Anything else I might need to know?

Yes, the vast majority of farmers are exceptionally proud of the quality of their animals, and you’ll be vitally important in the achievement of this.

A role such as this is extremely fulfilling and you will rightly develop a sense of pride in your achievements.

You can also expect to become an expert in filling in forms as the need for accurate record keeping for everything farming continues to develop!