A Fieldsman usually works for an organisation that owns pigs across different farm sites, which are being contract managed by other Farmers. A Fieldsman supports the Farmers in managing the pigs to a high standard. Their main objective is to optimise all aspects of pig performance, both physical and financial, via sound management practices.
A Fieldsman does not take part in the physical day-to-day running of the individual farm, but advises by visiting the farm, checking the pigs and production systems and meeting with the Farm Unit Manager.
A Fieldsman tasks would include:
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Building and developing relationships with Farmers and Unit Managers to ensure best husbandry practice, high welfare standards and production efficiency
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Visiting farms on a regular basis to monitor all aspects of pig husbandry and performance including cleanliness, feed utilization, pig health, housing, security, and welfare
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Assisting with selection of pigs for slaughter and arrange transport
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Assisting with feed ordering and product forecast reports as required
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Assisting with pig performance trials on farm
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Ensuring welfare code and quality assurance requirements are always met
Monitoring and recording production performance and statistics as required
A Fieldsman generally work as least 39 hours per week but they are expected to work paid overtime when necessary. Early mornings, evenings and weekend work can be necessary.
The working conditions will depend on the farm. Some pigs are kept indoors all year, whereas other farms with drier land and soil keep their pigs outdoors in fields. Some Farmers may do a mixture of both production systems depending on their soil conditions, farm location, the breed and ages of pigs they keep. On an indoor pig farm, a Fieldsman would expect to work mainly inside specialist pig buildings, whereas outdoor pig farms would require working outside in all weathers.
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and where people live.
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Fieldsman usually earn at least £12,000 a year at age 16 and £14,000 at age 19
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A Fieldsman aged 19 and over usually earn at least £14,000 - 16,000 a year
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Experienced Fieldsman can earn up to £20,000 a year
Minimum rates of pay for Fieldsman are set by the Agricultural Wages Board. The Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) is an independent body with a statutory obligation to fix minimum wages for workers employed in agriculture in England and Wales. The Board also has discretionary powers to decide other terms and conditions of employment, e.g. holidays and sick pay. It produces a legally binding Order which is enforced by Defra. Individual employers may pay more according to the employee's skills and experience.
Fieldsman may be given free or low-rent accommodation, or a lodging allowance. Overtime may also be available.
- Control the movement of livestock from one location to another
- Monitor and evaluate livestock intake of feed and water
- Plan and agree the management of Pig Unit Operation
- arrange and plan operation to relocate enterprise
- Management of pig farm waste and control of pollution
- Operation of an outdoor pig farrowing unit
- Organisation of pig sales and purchases
- Pig farrowing house operation and care
- Pig feed storage, milling and mixing
- Tagging correctly
- Initiative
- Planning / Organizing Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Customer Care / People Skills
- Mediation / Negotiation Skills
- Decision Making Skills
- Self-motivated
There are a variety of qualifications and training courses that can help you:
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find employment
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improve your current skills
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gain promotion
Most agricultural courses include training in technical agricultural production and may be followed by a specialist course.
Fieldsmen need to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in agriculture and in managing a business. Increasingly, employees in agriculture participate in continuing professional development (CPD) courses to enable them to enhance their skills, knowledge and careers. Fieldsman may attend short courses run by their employers to update their skills.
It may also be possible to study at postgraduate level.
The pig industry developed their own Certificates of Competence Qualifications to ensure that workers could train and gain the correct skills and knowledge. Please click on the following links for more information on these qualifications.
Short courses are also available for training in particular topics, such as how to operate a particular piece of agricultural equipment, tractor driving and fork lift operation.
Read more about all types of qualifications available in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Know what course you want? Search for a training course with Lantra's CourseFinder.
Many Fieldsmen will have worked on pig farms gaining sound practical experience, which is needed for this role e.g. a Pig Unit Manager could progress to a Fieldsman position.
Fieldsmen will need a keen interest and sound knowledge of UK pig farming.
Most companies recruiting a Fieldsman will require a qualification in one of the following areas of study: Agriculture, Animal Science, Animal Production, Farm Management or similar.
With experience, Fieldsmen can move into more senior positions, become industry leaders in their technical specialism and move into management roles leading team of consultants. This may involve more office-based work and less time travelling to farms and other outlets.
With the appropriate qualifications there may also be opportunities to teach at university or college.
Since land-based industries are worldwide, there are opportunities for working abroad, sometimes in parts of the world where farming and growing methods are less well developed than in the UK.
Increasingly, employees in agriculture participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses to enable them to enhance their skills, knowledge and careers. PIPR (Pig Industry Professional Register) aims to encourage people to better themselves and progress within the pig industry through Continued Professional Development (CPD). CPD Points are available in a variety of areas including:
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Training Courses
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Technical Meetings
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Meetings with Vet/Consultants
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Conferences
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Trade Shows
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Assessments for Qualifications
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Subscribing to industry journals, e.g. Pig World
For those wishing to progress into farm management, a degree course in subjects such as agriculture and animal or farm management may also be an option.
There may also be opportunities to work abroad.
For further information on careers in the sector you can contact the Lantra Connect Service:
Tel: 02476 69 69 96 or e-mail Agricultural@lantra.co.uk
You can also find additional information from the following organisations and publications:
Industry Information
Publications (some may be priced):
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A Life on the Land
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Scientific Farm Animal Production - Pearson Education
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Farmers weekly
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Farmers Guardian