When most people think about working in farming, they often only think about a farmer milking cows, crop farming or working with other livestock.
However, modern farming relies on far more than just what happens in the field or the yard.
Behind the scenes, thousands of people work in farming-related roles, many of which do not require owning land or growing up on a farm.
Here are seven farming jobs that exist in the UK today:
1. Farm data analyst
- What is it? A role helping farmers make sense of their figures
Modern farms collect a lot of information from milk yields and growth rates to feed use and field records. A farm data analyst takes that information, draws conclusions from it and suggests how a farmer might apply it to the decisions they make with their stock or crops.
In simple terms, think questions like: Which cows are performing best? Which fields are costing the most to grow crops on? Where can money be saved?
How people get into it: Some come from farming backgrounds, others from maths or IT and many learn on the job with ag-tech companies.
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2. Livestock geneticist
- What is it? A role helping farmers breed higher-quality stock
Livestock geneticists work out which animals should be bred from to improve the next generation. Their work helps farmers produce animals that grow better, stay healthier and suit different farming systems.
They are the people behind breeding values, indexes and genetic ratings that many farmers already use, even if they do not realise where they come from.
How people get into it: Usually through animal science or agriculture degrees, often working for breeding companies or research organisations. For example, Genus and Cogent are two of the best-known hirers of this role.
3. Sustainability or carbon adviser
- What is it? A role advising farmers on reducing emissions and improving the environment
These advisers work with farmers to measure things like carbon footprint, soil health and wildlife areas. The aim is to help farms meet environmental targets without harming the business.
It can be as practical as looking at fertiliser use, grazing systems or hedgerow management.
People often do not realise it exists because it is a newer role, driven by policy and supply chain pressure.
How people get into it: Farming, environmental or land management backgrounds, often with extra training.
4. Farm assurance or welfare auditor
- What is it? This role checks standards on British farms
Farm assurance auditors visit farms to check animal welfare, food safety and environmental standards. They help make sure British food meets the rules required by processors and retailers.
While not always popular, the role plays a big part in maintaining trust in UK farming and keeping the welfare standards that British producers and consumers are so proud of.
The role is often overlooked, as a farmer might only see someone working in this role once a year.
How people get into it: Often former farmers or stockpeople with industry training.
5. Agricultural communications or PR role
- What is it? These roles serve as a bridge between farming and the public
These roles involve writing, filming, social media and talking to the media about farming. They help explain how food is produced and respond when farming hits the headlines.
Many farming organisations, brands and charities now employ people solely for this.
How people get into it: Journalism, marketing or farming backgrounds and often a mix of both. You can choose to study this at college or university and gain valuable work experience at a magazine, newspaper or PR company
6. Robotics or farm machinery technician
- What is it? Someone who fixes and runs high-tech farm kit
As farms use more robots, automated feeders and precision equipment, technicians are needed to install, maintain and repair them.
This role is becoming more common in dairy, poultry and horticulture systems across the UK.
Think servicing robotic milking systems, fixing automated feeders, or setting up GPS-guided machinery so it works properly in the field.
In many cases, they are the ones farmers rely on when automated kit breaks down and needs fixing quickly.
How people get into it: Engineering or machinery apprenticeships and practical training.
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7. Specialist stockperson or shepherding contractor
- What is it? This role requires an experienced livestock worker who moves between farms
Some stockpeople now work as contractors, helping multiple farms during busy periods such as lambing or calving.
These roles rely heavily on skill and experience rather than land ownership, and perhaps best suit those keen for a career working with animals who do not have a farm of their own to go to.
People often don't realise the role exists as it sits outside traditional farm employment.
How people get into it: Most start by working as a stockperson or shepherd on a farm, often straight from school or college. Over time, they build experience across different systems.
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