Farm hands assist farmers and graziers with growing crops and feeding and raising livestock.
Agricultural Farm Hands may perform the following tasks:
cultivate soil, sow crops and control weeds by slashing, rotary hoeing or chemical spraying
plant ground crops between rows of trees and bushes to control weeds and soil temperatures
construct wire trellises (frames) to support vines, berries and fruit
take part in harvesting operations using tractors, harvesters, forklifts and hand tools
feed livestock and poultry
prepare milking machinery and assist with milking operations
clean and sterilise farm equipment
clear away animal waste and hose out operational areas
perform other tasks involved with the breeding and raising of livestock, such as shearing, dipping, branding, crutching, gelding, marking and assisting with artificial insemination
ride horses or motorbikes to muster sheep or cattle
maintain and repair farm buildings, bores, fences, machinery, troughs, windmills and other equipment
How do I become an Agricultural Farm Hand?
To become a farm hand you generally have to complete a certificate in Agriculture. Entry to the certificate courses generally requires a minimum of year 10. You can also become an farm hand by doing a traineeship, which involves both on and off-the-job training. The off-the-job training is provided through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), including Group Training Companies.
Qualifying as an Agricultural Farm Hand involves:
12 to 18 months commitment
Attending paid work with a "host employer" for the duration of the traineeship
Attending off-the-job training at an RTO (or the RTO may come to your workplace)
Ideal personal requirements to be an Agricultural Farm Hand include:
Enjoy practical work
Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Able to undertake manual and heavy work
Able to handle animals with confidence and patience
Enjoy working outdoors
Able to work for long hours and in all kinds of weather conditions
Able to work both in a team and with limited social contact
