Farm maintenance workers work under the supervision of farmers or farm managers or foremen. The nature of the work of farm workers differs according to the type of farming.
On crop farms, farm workers are responsible for ploughing, planting, cultivation, pruning, irrigation, fertilising and spraying of crops. On livestock farms, farm workers care for, mark or brand and dip animals. They may be involved with the processing of meat, dairy products and wool. Some farm workers’ duties include maintenance of tractors and other farming implements, and/or the construction and maintenance of farm buildings and fences.
Satisfying Aspects
- working outdoors
- living in rural areas away from urban congestion
- developing and using a wide range of skills, from mechanical to animal husbandry
- working with animals, plants and/or machinery
Demanding aspects
- working in bad weather conditions
- long irregular hours
- physically very tiring work
- coping with disasters, such as floods, drought, insect plagues and sick animals
Requirements
A farm worker should:
- enjoy working outdoors;
- like to work with plants, animals or machinery;
- be practical and hard-working;
- have good health and physical strength and stamina;
- be responsible and have self-discipline.
School Subjects
No minimum qualifications are required.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Agricultural Sciences
Training
Agricultural colleges offer basic courses, which cover the following three categories:
- Agricultural and Horticultural Training
- Mechanical and Building Training
- Business and Informal Training
At agricultural colleges, emphasis is placed on the agricultural situation prevalent in the area served by the specific college. Agricultural colleges include:
- Elsenburg Agricultural Development Institute - Stellenbosch
- Glen Agricultural Development Institute - Bloemfontein
- Grootfontein Agricultural College - Middelburg
- Cedara Agricultural Development Institute - Pietermaritzburg
- Lowveld Agricultural College - Nelspruit
- Owen Sitole College of Agriculture - Empangeni
Farm workers may receive in-service training under supervision of farmers, farm managers or foremen.
Employer
- farm owners
- tenant farmers
- large farming corporations
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Health
- Department of Land Affairs
Contact
Agricultural Research Council
P O Box 8783
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 427-9700
Fax: (012) 342-3948
www.arc.agric.za