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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 10 courses available for people who want to become a Farmhand. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The Certificate III in Agriculture (AHC30116) prepares you for a career in agriculture and for immediate work as a farmhand or station worker. Over 12 months you will learn how to work safely on farms and other agricultural worksites — while choosing study electives in crop management, livestock handling, farm machinery operation and maintenance, fencing and pest control. Enquire now for the latest delivery options (on-campus/distance learning) and opportunities for enrolment. Learn more.
Get the skills you need to work with crops, livestock, and farm machinery with the Certificate III in Rural Operations (AHC32816). Graduates of this nationally recognised training course will be qualified for work as a senior farmhand. Over 12 months of classroom and on-the-job training you will learn how to identify, mark and muster livestock; implement animal health programs; work with pesticides and chemicals; construct and maintain fences; safely operate quad bikes, tractors, and other farm machinery.Enquire now for a list of training centres and for information about completing this course as an international student. Learn more.
Get qualified for work on a dairy farm with the AHC30216 Certificate III in Agriculture (Dairy Production). This 1 year course is delivered in the classroom, in the field, and online — it covers all aspects of animal welfare and handling, milking operations, livestock health and feeding, calving and rearing young. The course also covers: irrigation, fencing, chemical safety, operating farm machinery. Enquire now for the next available training dates and the full program of study units. Learn more.
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. Learn more.
The AHC30620 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. Learn more.
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
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
Production Horticulture
Nursery Hand
Nurseryperson
Vineyard Hand
Agronomist
$1,150 weekly pay
Farmer
$1,350 weekly pay
Horticulturalist
Nursery Manager
Seed Technician
Winemaker
Agricultural Consultant
$1,950 weekly pay
Agricultural Manager
$1,600 weekly pay
Learn more about Farmhand courses in your area.