Trouble approaching farmers to ask about jobs

[Tom147]

To give a bit of context to this. I'm 14, and looking for a farm to do my DofE volunteering and gain some experience. My main issue is one; finding contacts and two; actually convincing someone to give me a job.

Now being in suffolk almost everything is large arable buisnesses or the occasional dairy unit. So already I have the issue of finding a suitable farm but to add to this I always get a resounding no. I've tried emails and calls but have never found the oppotunity to speak face to face with a farmer.

So as this website is filled with farmers if a 14 year old like me was to contact you what would you be basing your answer on?

 

[ridger]

If it was me I'd be befriending someone in the cattle mart

 

[GTB]

Employing someone under 16 could be a H&S nightmare. If something bad were to happen they would come down on the employer like the proverbial ton of bricks.

 

[Formatted]

Good for you. Good luck!

 

[Chae1]

No offence. But we've just been advertising for someone and poor spelling immediately creates a bad impression. All computers /phones that I use have a spell checker? So no excuse.

 

[Kevtherev]

Approach your local agricultural college
@JP1

 

[Tom147]

No offence. But we've just been advertising for someone and poor spelling immediately creates a bad impression. All computers /phones that I use have a spell checker? So no excuse.

It's usually better, but don't use my phone for typing more than a short message usually

 

[milkloss]

What sort of work do you expect to be doing. Trying to be helpful: if your expectations are a bit high then potential employers might not be too keen.

 

[Tom147]

Employing someone under 16 could be a H&S nightmare. If something bad were to happen they would come down on the employer like the proverbial ton of bricks.

That's one thing I was feeling would come up, although I've worked at a boat yard/marina before and never even heard a word of it

 

[Old Boar]

Put a card up in the local Ag suppliers?
I would be more impressed by a letter than an email, especially if it was done well.

 

[Tom147]

Put a card up in the local Ag suppliers?
I would be more impressed by a letter than an email, especially if it was done well.

Might be worth a look, someone said before about it but forgot all about it. A letter sounds good but my writing is horrendous. What would you class as a good letter?

 

[Tom147]

What sort of work do you expect to be doing. Trying to be helpful: if your expectations are a bit high then potential employers might not be too keen.

I'm happy to do anything really. I was just trying to break the ice and get into the industry.

 

[DRC]

The age we live in, I'm afraid.
As has been said, the health and safety issues , plus the need to be police checked if working with minors, makes it a non starter.
I know @ridger comments were well meant, but befriending a young lad in the mart, could even come back to cause trouble.
Best thing would be the college route or join young farmers, where you could make friends with farmers sons or daughters and maybe get experience by helping them.
Good luck

 

[Tom147]

The age we live in, I'm afraid.
As has been said, the health and safety issues , plus the need to be police checked if working with minors, makes it a non starter.
I know @ridger comments were well meant, but befriending a young lad in the mart, could even come back to cause trouble.
Best thing would be the college route or join young farmers, where you could make friends with farmers sons or daughters and maybe get experience by helping them.
Good luck

Ah yeah I know what you mean. I'll have a look at young farmers but thought that was more a thing for people who are already farmers?

 

[JP1]

To give a bit of context to this. I'm 14, and looking for a farm to do my DofE volunteering and gain some experience. My main issue is one; finding contacts and two; actually convincing someone to give me a job.

Now being in suffolk almost everything is large arable buisnesses or the occasional dairy unit. So already I have the issue of finding a suitable farm but to add to this I always get a resounding no. I've tried emails and calls but have never found the oppotunity to speak face to face with a farmer.

So as this website is filled with farmers if a 14 year old like me was to contact you what would you be basing your answer on?

Ring Bythburgh pig farms. Explain you would have called in person but for biosecurity. I would imagine that would be close to you.

If you can get transport I will ask at the Museum of East Anglian Life for you (Stowmarket)

 

[Tom147]

Ring Bythburgh pig farms. Explain you would have called in person but for biosecurity. I would imagine that would be close to you.

If you can get transport I will ask at the Museum of East Anglian Life for you (Stowmarket)

I contacted them a while back but didn't get anything other than a no. I'll have a look at transport though

 

[milkloss]

Ah yeah I know what you mean. I'll have a look at young farmers but thought that was more a thing for people who are already farmers?

Not at all, be well worth getting in touch with your local YFC.

 

[DRC]

Ah yeah I know what you mean. I'll have a look at young farmers but thought that was more a thing for people who are already farmers?

No, all clubs are looking for members with an interest in farming and the countryside, whatever background

 

[Tom147]

Not at all, be well worth getting in touch with your local YFC.

Okay, will look in to it soon

 

[Chae1]

The age we live in, I'm afraid.
As has been said, the health and safety issues , plus the need to be police checked if working with minors, makes it a non starter.
I know @ridger comments were well meant, but befriending a young lad in the mart, could even come back to cause trouble.
Best thing would be the college route or join young farmers, where you could make friends with farmers sons or daughters and maybe get experience by helping them.
Good luck

Might even meet a farmers daughter and end up with a farm.