Is Farm Work Hard?

Working on a farm is not for everyone. The hours are long, the work can be hard, and you’re working in all sorts of weather conditions - but it's also rewarding in so many ways and is actually the perfect job when you’re the right fit.?

Take a moment to think about what your life would be like if you were working on a farm - surrounded by nature, fresh air, good people, and all the fruits of your labour. There is just something special about working with the land and cultivating something from nothing. Seeing your hard work pay off, seeing your produce on shelves at grocery stores or farmers markets, and feeling good knowing that what you do has a big impact on many people's lives. It's also an excellent way to get outdoors and get a little exercise in at the same time!

You may or may not think that working on a farm is for you, but before making up your mind, take some time to consider the pros and cons that come with this type of work. In this blog we will discuss what farming is, what it's like to work on a farm, how much money farm workers make, and why people may or may not choose to do it.

What is farming?

A lot of people might think of farm work as just picking fruit and vegetables or fixing fences - but there is so much more on offer, such as raising livestock, milking, driving a tractor, or even harvester work.

A lot of farmers do something different each day, like, planting, maintaining & harvesting crops, or raising, maintaining or selling livestock.

What is it like to work on a farm?

Let’s face it, we all know farm work can be tough.

I worked on an apple orchard, in the northwest of Tasmania; the days were long, and hard.

To begin with, I just wanted to give up, the work was tough, mentally and physically, working alone picking a row of apples leaves a lot of time for your mind to wonder. When I went home in the evenings, my muscles were exhausted.

But the next day, the sun would shine down, and I’d be there just as motivated as I was on the first day. I set goals, and wanted to beat them. I also made lifelong friends that helped me adjust to the work, and achieve my goals.

Farm work can be very hard, but when you have the right crew with you, and you love the outdoors, it is the perfect place to be!

How much money do farm workers make?

Working on a farm can be rather beneficial, financially. A lot of picking work is paid at a piece rate, which sounds scary, but it can work in your favour, if you’re willing to put in the work.

In this industry, it really depends on you, if you’re a hard worker and you love what you do, the money will be great, however, if you don’t like what you’re doing, and you don’t work hard, then you won’t be getting the big bucks.

A lot of farm work is casual rate too, which means you get that extra loading – aka. more money.

On the other hand, being casual can have its cons, as you don’t get sick leave or annual leave.

If you are full time, or part time, you don’t attract the casual loading, however, you do get your leave?entitlements.

Why would people want to work on a farm?

Working on a farm gives you a sense of being, you are helping others each moment you are out there, whether that be putting meat, fruit or vegetables on the plate, or researching new tech to make a better and easier tomorrow - you are making a difference, that everyone can see.

Working in the agricultural industry, things are forever changing, and evolving. Easier ways to pick, pack or milk are always being researched and trialled.

I found this work really helped me balance my thoughts, and better myself, I was getting fit whilst I worked, and this made me feel great!

The friends I made were a massive help, and I’m looking forward to visiting their countries, (when we can travel again,) and helping their community the same way they did here in Australia.

Farming can be hard work, but the benefits can be well worth it. You may be unsure if farming is for you because of what you've seen portrayed in the media about how farm life can be long hours, difficult and dirty. But there are plenty of reasons why someone may choose this type of work over other types out there - from the great money you can make, to the camaraderie with co-workers, farm work has a lot going for it!

If you're looking for a career that is rewarding and sustainable, then consider applying directly for farm work with our Left Field crews on one of the many farms in your area.?