What pathways are there...

[thokkisam]

Hi Folks,

First time poster here but figured I might not be the only one wondering. Ultimately I've always had a keen interest in farming, I currently live in North Lincolnshire, previously lived on a dairy farm in Cornwall (lived only, no hands-on experience) and safe to say I can feel my ancestors career calling.

My primary question though is, how does a 33 year old guy, who is a Head of Software Engineering even start to get into farming, even in a casual basis. Would it be wise to go out and get some qualifications first, would any farmers likely be willing to put their time into someone at this age...if at all?

If someone said go on, go pick any farm around, I'd be spoilt for choice, I just don't want to be laughed out the yard for even attempting it if farmers/estates expect an initial level of competency/qualifications.

Any help/guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Sam

 

[workin f nowt]

Is there any dairy farms in North Lincolnshire. Most round my neck of the woods will take anyone on to milk and do general duties.

 

[thokkisam]

Thanks for the reply @workin f nowt, there's a couple, however most of it is arable work or beef in this neck of the woods...suppose it's worth having a more in-depth look around.

 

[jasongrantorino]

You could start with some part-time volunteering or weekend gigs at local farms to get your hands dirty and learn the ropes. Many farmers appreciate a helping hand, even if you're a newbie. And if you're up for it, taking a few courses on agriculture could definitely give you a leg up.

 

[Dry Rot]

Ag and vet students are required (I was going to say 'encouraged") to work for a year on a farm for very good reason. At 33, you are still young. I would suggest getting some practical experience of operating a wheel barrow and shovel first of all, then graduating to things like feeding. Boring and mundane, but even that experience will give you more credibility in the farming community.

The old advice used to be "Keep you eyes and ears open and your mouth closed" as it can be very irritating to have a newbe following you around, when you are trying to sort out the next problem in your head, asking questions all the time! There was a similar thread on here recently and I think if the guy had worked for me, he would have ended up buried in the midden very quickly!

 

[Boysground]

I agree with the dairy farming idea if you can find one @thokkisam especially if they are 3 times a day, milkers are always needed. Most of the guys who milk here have never milked before. Have a 50 year old training this week. keen and a driving licence are the only things i really ask for.

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[Sam Partridge]

A lot of these posts recently. 33 is stil young compared to most farmers but they also started when they were kids. Be prepared to only be offered the menial tasks we did as kids, tidying, digging, feeding youngstock, veg grading, absolute basic of tractor work to start. A lot of people will think its beneath them or become disenfranchised after a few years of this, difference being we all completed our penance by 16! Best bet by far is dairy farm, theyre the busiest of us all