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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM AGRICULTURE →

Livestock Farmer

Livestock farmers raise animals like cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens on farms. They care for the animals, keep them healthy, and make sure they have good food and shelter.

Livestock Farmer

8

Agriculture

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY8
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST53%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£20,000 - £25,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (8), and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

The role

As a livestock farmer, you raise and care for animals. You start early every morning checking on your animals - making sure they have water and food, and watching for any that look sick. You keep records of each animal's health, weight, and breeding so you know which animals are doing well. Keeping animals healthy is your main job, and you work with vets when an animal is poorly.

You also manage the land - you decide what crops to grow for animal feed, keep the pastures in good condition, and plan which animals should have babies together to breed healthier animals. You look after farm buildings and machinery, and you must understand the law about animal welfare. The work is hard and the days are long, but farmers who care for their animals well end up with healthier livestock and better meat and milk.

Daily responsibilities

  • Manage the health and welfare of livestock, ensuring they are well-fed and cared for.
  • Monitor and maintain the quality of pastures and feed crops to optimize livestock nutrition.
  • Implement breeding programs to improve livestock quality and productivity.
  • Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment for daily operations.
  • Record and analyze livestock performance data to inform management decisions.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, as well as animal welfare standards.
  • Collaborate with veterinarians for health checks and vaccination schedules.
  • Market and sell livestock products, building relationships with buyers and suppliers.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree in agriculture or animal science provides candidates with a competitive edge, equipping them with the latest knowledge in animal husbandry, sustainable farming practices, and business management. This academic foundation is highly valued by employers and can lead to advanced roles within the industry.