Who is a Farmer and what do they do? The task of a farmer is to grow crops or raise animals for food on his/her own farm and sell them on the market for agricultural goods. This focuses sometimes just on plant production, sometimes both plant and livestock production, and in some cases specialising in certain products (usually depending on the local soil and weather conditions). Those who do not own or rent their own farms may do effectively the same work but be known as farm managers.
What are the activities of the Farmer? Sowing, planting and protecting corn and other agricultural crops and harvesting them – ploughing – breeding farm animals (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses) – breeding poultry for meat and eggs – milking cows – monitoring the health of farm animals, noticing the symptoms of various diseases and carrying out basic veterinary measures – maintaining, adjusting and repairing agricultural machinery – negotiating with the suppliers of raw materials and machinery as well as with potential purchasers of agricultural products, carrying out selling and purchasing activities – managing or carrying out administrative activities related to the operation of a private farm (accounting, tax returns, etc.).
Where is it done and under what conditions? In fields and agricultural complexes (cattle sheds, pigpens, grain silos, etc.). The work environment can present a variety of problems, such as varying weather conditions, high levels of dust, contact with manure and dirt of many kinds as well as unpleasant chemicals, where pesticides and herbicides are used.
What tools/equipment do they use? Sowing machines and planters, tractors, combine harvesters, threshing machines, ploughs, harrows, weeders, milking sets, milk coolers, forage crop drying kilns and other tools and aids for agriculture, as well as one’s own hands.
What do you need to succeed? You need to have completed an agriculturally focused apprenticeship or training programme, have a positive attitude to the land, willingness to work hard, patience, ability to organise your own work and to deal with people, and physical fitness.