Farm Intern Job Description

Farming is Complex

Farming is more complex than people think. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that it is more common for farmers to have a bachelor's degree today than it was in the past. Farmers might raise crops, livestock, poultry, fish and shellfish, or produce dairy products.

Some farmers raise both crops and animals on their farm. Each type of farming requires specialized skills. The tasks of a farmer are determined by the type of operation.

A farmer who only raises crops will be responsible for preparing the land for planting, caring for the crops and harvesting. Some farmers sell their own crops at the market, while others have contracts with processing companies. Hay, grain, fruits and vegetables, and cotton are examples of crops.

The farmer must keep fields watered, fertilized and free of weeds to grow crops. Some farmers buy their animals at a young age and then raise them for sale, slaughter or show, while others breed and raise their own animals. Animals used for pleasure such as riding horses or exotic animals can be included in livestock.

Each type of animal requires specialized knowledge and management. Horses need to be trained. Milk must be handled by dairy farmers.

PAY Project: An internship programme for unemployed young people in Western Cape

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture offers internship opportunities for unemployed students and provides mentorship to young people. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture gives PAY interns a 12-month internship programme in order to expose them to work and agricultural experiences, as well as prepare them for registration for further studies and career opportunities in agriculture. The PAY project was set up to give Western Cape youth an opportunity to get into the labour market at an early age. The project gives learners who finished school in the previous year the chance to work for a year.

Farmworkers: A role in the agricultural industry

Farmworkers need to be able to cope with physical work and be able to adapt to different times of the year. They will meet dairy, beef and sheep farmers to evaluate the chemical and nutritional value of feeds and formulate a ration that will help them. The role requires people who can listen to the needs of the farmer, share information and advice, and recommend products that would best suit the customer.

Farmers will be closely worked with by buyers in order to negotiate the purchase of their crops and communicate the latest market information to them to help them make a marketing decision. The results of a survey of 1,300 Farmers Weekly readers show that agricultural jobs are pretty much the same as those in other industries. One of the best ways to get a sense of the industry is to read the farming press.

Farmers Weekly has a dedicated careers page and offers discounts on subscriptions to students. The farming community is active on the social networking site. People to follow can be found by searching for established hashtags such as #clubhectare, #agrichatuk and #teamdairy.

Open Farm Sunday is a farming industry event that allows the public to visit a farm and learn more about modern agriculture. There are free events all over the country. To ask a local farmer if there is a chance of work experience, you should write a letter that explains who you are, why you are interested and what help you might be able to offer.

Camphill Farm: A Farm Mentor Program for Young Adults with Disabilities

Camphill is a place where people interested in sustainable farming and gardening can find a nurturing environment. Community with people of all ages and abilities is what you can build. Volunteers will also be working on a farm, garden, or craft workshop, cooking wholesome food for a household community, and sharing meals together, in addition to supporting individuals with disabilities in their daily activities.

The spirit of Gould Farm is unique and offers both meaningful work and a celebration of farming and life. Located in Southern Oregon, Dragonfly Transitions is a place for young adults who are struggling with the transition to healthy, productive independence. Students work on therapeutic issues on a 30-acre farm in a rural setting at The Homestead at Transitions.

Students on a farm sell their products at the farmers market. Do you have a passion for sustainable living? As a farm mentor, you will teach young adults how to live in a sustainable way and lead daily farm chores.

How to Begin Your Small Farm Dream

It is complicated. It's difficult to start a farm because it's so much. Farmers must consider a number of things, including business planning, finding land, securing financing, marketing, production knowledge, securing equipment, developing or securing infrastructure, and their vision for their farm, a product of their values, knowledge and experience.

The risks and rewards of farming, how to make good decisions for your enterprise, and how to start the business planning process are all covered in How to Begin Your Small Farm Dream. The Small Farms Program at Oregon State University has created a guide called Whole Farm Management: From Start-Up to Sustainability to help beginners make smart business decisions. The Family Farm Series Publications from the University of California Small farms program gives information how to finance a small farm, how to determine your cost of production, and enterprise selection.