What is a Farm Hand? (Answered)
Farm hands have a wide range of duties on the farm, including feeding and watering animals, cleaning facilities, planting crops, harvesting and more.
What responsibilities do farm hands have?
In addition to the above responsibilities, farm hands may also have the following responsibilities:
- Administer medicine to animals
- Help during animal births
- Repair fences and other enclosures
- Spraying crops
- Create feeding schedules for livestock
- Maintaining farm equipment
- Cleaning stalls / facilities
- Moving animals to different areas
How to become a farm hand
A high school education with high school courses such as science, mathematics, and agriculture education.
On the job experience is key in this role. It requires a lot of physical stamina as well as being able to work as part of a team.
Sometimes there is travel involved as farms are often not close to cities.
Work opportunities
Farm hands can work on different types of farms. General, poultry, or dairy farms are common options.
It’s not unusual for farm hands to move into farm management roles or even start their own farming operations.
It’s a great profession to learn the ins and outs of farm life before choosing an area to specialize in.
What a day in the life of a farm hand could look like
Farm hands are the backbone of the agriculture industry. They are the hardworking individuals who keep the farms running smoothly and efficiently. A day in the life of a farm hand can be physically demanding, but also rewarding. Let’s take a look at what kind of work they would be doing on a typical day.
Early Morning
Farm hands typically start their day early in the morning, before sunrise. They begin by checking on the animals and ensuring that they are fed and watered. This could include feeding cows, pigs, chickens, or any other animals on the farm. They also check on the health of the animals and may administer medication or treatments if necessary.
After feeding the animals, the farm hand may move on to other tasks such as collecting eggs, cleaning stalls, or repairing fences. This is also a good time to inspect the farm equipment, such as tractors and plows, to ensure they are in good working order.
Mid-Morning
As the day progresses, the farm hand may move on to other tasks, such as planting or harvesting crops. They may operate machinery such as combines, planters, or irrigation systems. They must also monitor the crops to ensure they are growing properly and free from pests or diseases.
During the mid-morning, the farm hand may also have to complete paperwork or other administrative tasks, such as tracking inventory or ordering supplies. They may also communicate with other farm hands or the farm manager to coordinate tasks or report any issues.
Afternoon
After lunch, the farm hand may continue with the tasks from the morning or move on to new ones. They may also have to complete maintenance tasks, such as repairing fences or mending equipment. They may also have to prepare fields for planting, such as tilling or fertilizing.
During the afternoon, the farm hand must also be aware of weather conditions and make adjustments to their work accordingly. For example, they may have to work quickly to harvest crops before a storm hits, or delay planting if the ground is too wet.
Evening
As the day comes to a close, the farm hand may finish up any tasks that need to be completed, such as cleaning up equipment or putting away tools. They may also check on the animals one last time before heading home.
Being a farm hand is hard work, but it can also be very rewarding. The work is physical and requires a lot of attention to detail, but it is also a chance to work outdoors and be close to nature. A farm hand plays an important role in keeping the farm running smoothly and ensuring that the crops and animals are healthy and well-cared for.