Livestock Farmer
8AI USED FOR8%moving to53%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£20,000 - £25,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
Skip to main content
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.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for very little of what this job actually involves today, 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.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Livestock FarmerIn this entry-level role, you will assist with daily farm operations, including feeding and caring for animals, and learning the basics of livestock management.£20,000 - £25,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Livestock FarmerAs a mid-level farmer, you will take on more responsibilities, including managing a specific area of the farm and overseeing junior staff.£30,000 - £40,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Livestock FarmerIn a senior role, you will lead farm operations, develop business strategies, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.£50,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓AgricultureUniversity of Newcastle Upon Tyne · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓Sustainable Land and Business ManagementUniversity of Newcastle Upon Tyne · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓Bioveterinary Science with Science Foundation YearUniversity of Lincoln · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£25,500 median
🎓Environment and Sustainability with Professional Placement YearThe Royal Agricultural University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£25,000 median
🎓Agriculture with Business Management (with integrated year in industry)Prifysgol Aberystwyth · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£24,000 median
All Agriculture courses as cards →
Real apprenticeship standards
Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.
L3Livestock unit technician18 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely. Some employers will take you on here with no formal qualifications at all, if you can show you can do the work.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
AgricultureUniversity of Newcastle Upon Tyne · DegreeSustainable Land and Business ManagementUniversity of Newcastle Upon Tyne · DegreeBioveterinary Science with Science Foundation YearUniversity of Lincoln · DegreeEnvironment and Sustainability with Professional Placement YearThe Royal Agricultural University · DegreeAgriculture with Business Management (with integrated year in industry)Prifysgol Aberystwyth · DegreeAnimal SciencePrifysgol Aberystwyth · Degree