Keep farms productive and animals cared for.
As a Farm Hand, you assist farmers and graziers with the physical work of growing crops and raising livestock. Depending on the farm, you may be involved in dairies, poultry sheds, piggeries, sheep and cattle stations, or fruit and vegetable production. Much of your work is outdoors, often in challenging weather conditions, and your day typically begins early in the morning with weekend work common. During busy seasons, hours can stretch long — sometimes up to 18 hours a day — as you help with planting, harvesting, feeding, or mustering. Because the role involves machinery and physical labour, you need to stay alert and follow farm safety practices to reduce the risk of injury.

You can work as a farmhand without formal education qualifications. You may receive informal training on the job. You may also become a farm hand through an apprenticeship.

TAFE SA offers courses relevant to this occupation including the Certificate II and III in Agriculture, Certificate III in Rural Operations and Certificate IV in Agribusiness.

Still unsure? Then try a short course also offered through TAFE SA - check the website for short courses available.

Farm hands need to be adaptable and versatile as tasks can vary daily and seasonally. Farm hands tasks may include rotating livestock in paddocks, preparing milking machinery and assisting with milking operations, removing the tails of lambs, mustering, drenching, dipping, shearing sheep, clearing away animal waste and hosing out operational areas. You are also likely to be preparing animal food, participate in breeding programmes, controlling pests and weeds, repairing farm buildings, yards and property.