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Farmhands assist with the daily work on farms including looking after livestock and tending to crops. You’ll help out with a range of tasks to keep the farm operating and your typical day will probably vary depending on the time of year. Your daily work will depend on the type of farm you’re working on but it might involve things like operating farm machinery, putting up fencing, doing repair work around the farm or feeding livestock. You might be involved in irrigating, fertilising or harvesting crops, moving animals to different areas of the farm, fixing and maintaining equipment or looking after the health of livestock.
Being a Farmhand is a very physical job. You’ll work hard and probably have long days in all sorts of weather conditions. You’ll need to like being outdoors and be able to handle manual labour and heavy lifting. You’ll need to be skilled in operating a range of farm machinery and be very comfortable working with animals.
There are 12 courses available for people who want to become a Farmhand. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
Get qualified as a farm hand (without a work placement) by enrolling in the AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture. This nationally recognised training course will teach you how to work safely on a farm — operating a range of machinery (motorbikes, tractors) and carrying out standard jobs (mustering, marking livestock, fencing, weed control). The course takes 9 months to complete and is delivered via a mix of online components, face-to-face, and practical sessions. Enquire now for the next batch intake dates and your eligibility for government funded training..
Average duration: 12 months.
The AHC20320 Certificate II in Production Horticulture is a nationally recognised qualification for people seeking work on farms that grow garden crops, fresh produce, or flowers. You’ll be introduced to the critical safety and biosecurity requirements of farm work and then specialise in either horticulture (garden crops, fresh produce, orchards) or floriculture (flower farms). Enquire now for the full list of career outcomes, specialisation areas (and their availability) as well as study centres near you..
Grab a Certificate II in Rural Operations (AHC21216) if you’d like to work in the agricultural and farming sector. Choose your own study area (rural operations, horticulture, or animal studies) and graduate with the practical skills to work safely at a farming worksite and carry out a range of manual tasks — as well as operate farm machinery and tools. Graduate job-ready with a qualification that’s recognised all over Australia. Enquire now for a course brochure and information about how to complete your training at school..
Get the skills you need to work at a poultry farm with the AHC30516 Certificate III in Poultry Production . This nationally recognised qualification is delivered over 36 months and teaches you how to care for day-old chickens, identify and sex young chicks, incubate eggs, and ensure the welfare of poultry throughout their lifecycle. The course also covers: work health and safety, disinfection and cleaning, quality controls. Enquire now for the full list of study units and your nearest training centre..
The AHC30624 Certificate III in Production Horticulture can be used as a professional qualification for work at nurseries and orchards — but is also great for home enthusiasts wanting to grow their own fruit and vegetables. It’s a nationally recognised qualification that incorporates classroom and field work as well as online modules. The course covers: soil sampling and improvement, plant nutrition, crop planting and regulation, harvest, weed control, organics and composting. Enquire now for the next available enrolment dates and your nearest training centre..
In Australia, a full time Farmhand generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
There are currently 108,500 people employed as farm workers in Australia and this number is expected to rise slightly in the next five years. Work can be found across all states of Australia, but mostly in rural or regional areas.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections
If you’re thinking of becoming a Farmhand, a Certificate II or III in Rural Operations is a good place to start. You could also consider the Certificate II or III in Agriculture. You’ll learn all the skills you need to work safely in a range of farming sectors.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within livestock and animal production and production horticulture. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Livestock and Animal Production
Bore Runner
$960 weekly pay
Farmhand
Livestock Transporter
Pen Rider
Piggery Attendant
Poultry Farm Worker
Sheep Shearer
Sheep Shearing Trainer
Station Hand
Wool Classer
Wool Worker
Agribusiness Manager
$1,440 weekly pay
Dairy Farm Manager
Farm Manager
Organic Farmer
Station Manager
Stock and Station Agent
$1,150 weekly pay
Production Horticulture
Nursery Hand
Nurseryperson
Vineyard Hand
Agricultural Consultant
$1,635 weekly pay
Agricultural Economist
$1,250 weekly pay
Agronomist
Cotton Ginner
$1,340 weekly pay
Crop Scientist
$2,050 weekly pay
Farmer
$1,350 weekly pay
Horticulturalist
Nursery Manager
Seed Technician
Winemaker
Agricultural Manager
$1,600 weekly pay
Agricultural Scientist
$1,500 weekly pay
Learn more about Farmhand courses in your area.