A Relief Milker works in the dairy industry and supplies relief cover to dairy farms. This means that when dairy farms become short-staffed due to holidays, staff leaving or illness, the Relief Milker can be called in to milk the dairy cows.

A dairy farm will have a herd of dairy cows which are managed to produce a calf each year, which allows milk production to continue. The cows have a routine which normally involves milking taking place at the same time each day, usually twice a day.

A Relief Milker will have experience of working on a range of dairy farms using different types of milking machines in different sizes and types of parlour. Relief Milkers will be aware of any potential problems and monitor how well each cow milks. Specific cow identification tags are detected by the machine and it automatically records how much milk has been produced by each cow. After getting guidance from the herdsperson or manager on the methods and procedures used on that farm, the Relief Milker can milk the cows. This includes bringing the animals in from their grazing field, feeding them, operating the milking machines and connecting to the correct milk storage tank, cleaning the cows’ udders, moving them to the correct field or building and then cleaning and washing down the parlour.

Working Conditions 

Relief Milkers are usually self-employed or employed by a company that offers relief staff for farms. The first milking of the day may take place anytime from 2am and last several hours, with the second late in the afternoon on the same day. Relief Milkers have to be very flexible according to the farm’s milking schedule and are more likely to work shifts as opposed to normal working hours.

Some dairy cows are kept indoors all year round and fed on cut grass, silage, maize with special dairy feed, whereas other farms leave the cattle to graze grass outside for most of the year, just keeping them inside for the winter months. Many farmers do a mixture of both production systems depending on their grass growth, soil conditions and dairy breeds. A Relief Milker would expect to work mainly within the milking parlour during milking.

Next steps

With the right qualifications and experience in managing a herd of milking cows, a Relief Milker could gain a role as Herdsperson employed on a dairy farm where there is a team managing the dairy enterprise.

There is competition for these vacancies and it’s common for people to move from farm to farm to gain experience and promotion. Working on a larger farm offers more opportunities to specialise.

Industry links

British Institute of Agricultural Consultants

My world of work

National Farmers Union Scotland

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service

Scottish Crofting Federation

Scottish Machinery Rings

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

Contract Rearers are responsible for looking after cattle owned by other farmers and businesses.

A farmer who doesn’t have the time, staff, buildings or land to raise all his cattle will ask a Contract Rearer to do it instead. At the end of the contract, the cattle may go back to the farmer, who owns them, or be sold.

A Contract Rearer has responsibility for health, welfare, and the performance of the dairy cattle. The Contract Rearer will be paid to ensure that the cattle meet growth targets and are in good health.  

Depending on the number of cattle, a Contract Rearer may also have some responsibility for staff, such as a Stockperson and Farm Workers. On some smaller scale units, a Contract Rearer may carry out both the management and everyday tasks, and contract rearing cattle may form just part of his overall farming business.

The benefits of Contract Rearing are considerable. It enables farmers to expand without investing in further buildings or land, whilst the Contract Rearers can use their buildings or land to create an income.

The most common contract arrangement is heifer (female cattle) rearing. The group of female calves which have been produced by a milking herd are usually reared by hand or by a machine that feeds them milk, and they are also fed hay, straw and a special formulated feed. The female calves are grown on with the aim of joining the milking herd once they get to two years old.

Often dairy farmers will arrange for a Contract Rearer to raise the heifer to the correct size and weight, until they are ready to join the milking herd.

Working Conditions 

Contract Rearers generally work as least 39 hours per week. Many will be self- employed. Early mornings, evenings and weekend work can be needed.

On all but the very large farms, a Contract Rearer would be a-hands-on role, and required to cover for their stockman or farm worker, if necessary.

The working conditions will depend on the farm. Some dairy cattle are kept indoors and fed on straw and hay with grain, whereas other farms leave the cattle to graze grass outside for most of the year, bringing them in for the winter months, many farmers do a mixture of both production systems depending on their grass growth, soil conditions and cattle breeds.

A Contract Rearer would work both outside and in livestock buildings.

Next steps

Contract Rearers may move into other work such as technical sales, consultancy and teaching, or work as an agricultural adviser.

It may also be possible to work with private companies, consultancies and co-operatives that offer farm management services.

Industry links

British Institute of Agricultural Consultants

My world of work

National Farmers Union Scotland

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service

Scottish Crofting Federation

Scottish Machinery Rings

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

Soil Association

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

Contract Lambers are contracted by farmers and travel from farm to farm to assist with lambing in the spring.  They generally also help with shearing in the summer months.

A sheep farm will have a range of animals of different ages. Farmers who breed sheep will keep a flock of female sheep or ‘ewes’. Commercial flocks vary from a few hundred to a few thousand. Male breeding sheep, or ‘rams’, are placed with a group of ewes 5 months before the farmer wants for the ewes to give birth or ‘start lambing’.

This is usually in the spring, when there is plenty of grass to feed the ewes and lambs, although some sheep breeds can become pregnant and lamb outside of the natural lambing season.

The ewes rear their lambs until they are old enough to eat only grass and sheep feed, and the lambs are then weaned off the ewes. The group of lambs are kept until they are the correct weight and fatness and are then sold for meat through markets and abattoirs.

Some farmers without a flock of ewes will buy lambs to eat their grass and to fatten for the food chain. Farmers take pride in producing a high quality animal meeting high welfare standards and Contract Lambers are part of this process.

A Contract Lamber may also carry out general tasks such as:

• Feeding
• Maintaining accommodation
• Maintaining the health and welfare of livestock.

They work under the supervision of the Shepherd, Farm Manager or even the land owner who owns or rents the land.

Working Conditions 

Contract Lambers generally work at least 39 hours per week but may need to do paid overtime during busy periods.

Early mornings, evenings and weekend work can be part of the lambing period.

The working conditions will depend on the farm. Many sheep are kept outside for most of the year but may be brought in for lambing.

Next steps

With the right qualifications and experience, Contract Lambers can gain promotion to a Shepherd or Farm Manager. There is competition for these vacancies, and movement from farm to farm to gain experience and promotion is usual.

Working on a larger farm offers more opportunities to specialise.

For those wishing to progress into farm management a degree in subjects such as agriculture and animal or farm management may be an option.

There may also be opportunities to work abroad.

Industry links

British Institute of Agricultural Consultants

My world of work

National Farmers Union Scotland

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service

Scottish Crofting Federation

Scottish Machinery Rings

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

Soil Association

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

Contract Finishers are responsible for looking after livestock owned by other farmers and businesses.  A farmer that does not have the time, staff, buildings or land to ‘finish’ all the livestock for slaughter, will ask a Contract Finisher to carry out this last stage.

The benefits of contract finishing are considerable. It enables farmers to expand without investing in further buildings or land, whilst the Contract Finishers can use their buildings or land to create an income. 

The farmer maintains ownership of the livestock. A Contract Finisher has responsibility for health, welfare and the performance of the livestock. The Contract Finisher will be paid to ensure that the livestock meet growth targets and are in good health.

The livestock are moved through various stages as they grow, from ‘weaning’ to ‘growing’ and finally to ‘finishing’. At the end of the contract, the livestock will be the correct fatness and weight to be sold directly to the abattoir.

Depending on the number of livestock, a Contract Finisher may also have some responsibility for staff, such as Stockperson and Farm Workers.

On some smaller scale units, a Contract Finisher may carry out both the management and everyday tasks, and contract finishing animals may form just part of the overall business.

Working Conditions

A Contract Finisher generally would work as least 39 hours per week and many Contract Finishers will be self employed. Early mornings, evenings and weekend work can be necessary.

On all but the very large farms, a Contract Finisher would be a-hands-on role and will be required to cover for their Stockman or Farm Worker if necessary.

The working conditions will depend on the farm. In order for livestock to reach the correct fatness and weight the majority are finished indoors in sheds or sometimes open air pens, as opposed to outdoors in fields.

Next steps

Contract Finishers may move into other work such as technical sales, consultancy and teaching, or work as an Agricultural Adviser.

It may also be possible to work with private companies, consultancies and co-operatives that offer farm management services.

All agricultural workers need to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in their sector.

For those wishing to progress into farm management, a degree in subjects such as agriculture and animal or farm management may also be an option.

There may also be chances to work abroad.

Industry links

British Institute of Agricultural Consultants

My world of work

National Farmers Union Scotland

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service

Scottish Crofting Federation

Scottish Machinery Rings

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

Soil Association

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

A Contract Breeder will have a breeding farm or units and be responsible for breeding livestock owned by other farmers and businesses who don’t have the time, staff, buildings or land on their farm to breed the livestock themselves.

The farmer owns the animals, but the Contract Breeder has responsibility for health, welfare, and the performance of the livestock. The Contract Breeder will be paid to make sure that the animals are in good health.

Depending on the number of animals, a Contract Breeder may also have some responsibility for staff, such as Stockpersons and Farm Workers. On some smaller scale units, a Contract Breeder may carry out both the management and everyday tasks.

A Contract Breeder’s tasks would include:

• Working with a Feed Advisor and creating a diet suited to the age and growth rate required by the livestock
• Working with their Vet to resolve any health or disease problems, including treatments where appropriate
• Weighing the animals to monitor performance and calculating growth rates
• Responsibility for meeting Defra requirements, for example ensuring the animals are correctly identified and that the correct veterinary and medicines treatment records are up-to-date.

Working Conditions 

A Contract Breeder generally works as least 39 hours per week and many will be self-employed. Early mornings, evenings and weekend work can be a part of the job.

Some breeding herds are kept indoors all year, whereas other farms with drier land and soil keep their breeding herds outdoors in fields.

Next steps

Contract Breeders may move into other work such as technical sales, consultancy and teaching, or work as an Agricultural Adviser. It may also be possible to work with private companies, consultancies and co-operatives that offer farm management services.

All agricultural workers need to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in their sector. 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 the chance to work abroad.

Industry links

British Institute of Agricultural Consultants

My world of work

National Farmers Union Scotland

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service

Scottish Crofting Federation

Scottish Machinery Rings

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

Soil Association

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

A catcher in the poultry industry catches birds so they can be moved, transported or get treatment.

This may happen several times between different production stages and farms. Birds will be in groups and free to move around before loading.

Catchers must be able to move calmly and quickly to catch the birds using careful and specific handling techniques to minimise stress and ensure the animals are not harmed. Once caught, the birds are placed in special containers before transportation or treatment with vaccine.

A catcher could work in various types of farms and systems, dealing with breeding poultry birds, with layers producing eggs for the food chain or with birds bred for meat.

Working Conditions 

Catchers will generally work at least 39 hours a week, but this may be in the form of shifts. Early mornings, evenings and weekend work are all common. There are also opportunities for part-time and casual work.

Most Catchers work inside where birds are grouped and ready to be moved.

Next steps

Some large poultry employers employ their own catchers but most use professional independent catching teams. Due to the size and structure of the Poultry Industry there are many opportunities to progress and move between farms and companies.

Industry links

My world of work

National Farmers Union Scotland

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service

Scottish Crofting Federation

Scottish Machinery Rings

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

An Assistant Farm Manager reports to the Farm Manager and is responsible for helping manage the business, with responsibility for health, welfare, and performance.

The Assistant Farm Manager works with the Unit Manager in: 

• Planning and setting production targets, and budgets
• Monitoring the quality of their produce and performance of the sections
• Purchasing materials needed for the farm, like feed and seed
• Record keeping
• Ensuring the farm operates within legal guidelines
• Ensuring farm waste is managed correctly
• On smaller farms, may be involved with general tasks such as feeding livestock, driving tractors and operating and repairing machinery.

Working Conditions

Assistant Farm Managers generally work as least 39 hours per week but it may be necessary to work paid overtime during busy periods. Early mornings, evenings and weekend work can be necessary especially at busy times of the year.

Assistant Farm Managers may be required to cover for their Farm Manager, Unit Manager if necessary, or other staff on the farm.

The working conditions will depend on the farm. Some farms have a mixture of both livestock and crops depending on their soil conditions, farm location and local markets.

Next steps

With the right qualifications and further experience in other farm businesses and enterprises, an Assistant Farm Manager could gain promotion to a Farm Manager, with ultimate responsibility for the Farm.

Industry links

British Institute of Agricultural Consultants

My world of work

National Farmers Union Scotland

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service

Scottish Crofting Federation

Scottish Machinery Rings

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

Soil Association

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

The main role of the artificial insemination technician is to inseminate livestock, cows, sheep or pigs. The technician may need to monitor the heat cycle of livestock to carry out the insemination at the correct time.

They are responsible for handling and thawing straws of frozen semen that have been kept in liquid nitrogen and need to carry out the insemination process quickly and accurately whilst maintaining the welfare of the animal.

Depending on the place of work the technician may also have other duties such as maintaining breeding animals, keeping records and giving advice to farmers on the best male animals to use. Some technicians may work closely with their veterinarian on specific breeding programmes or with farmers supporting them with insemination services.

Working Conditions

Most artificial insemination technicians will be working for large companies which specialise in providing breeding services. The work may involve a lot of driving around the country and working outdoors or in barns or sheds.

Most technicians work in the field but some may also be involved in scientific research.

Next steps

Depending on the experience you may look to move into teaching and training of those entering the industry. There may also be opportunities to progress into research.

Industry links

British Institute of Agricultural Consultants

My world of work

National Farmers Union Scotland

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service

Scottish Crofting Federation

Scottish Machinery Rings

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

Soil Association

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

Social Foresters are involved in using trees and woodlands to deliver social benefits to all groups within society. Social Foresters work with groups of people to promote improved well-being and mental health. A Social Forester needs to have a range of practical forestry work skills and also be good at working with diverse groups of people.

Social Foresters will work to organise events, activities and projects to increase social involvement and interaction within woodlands. These activities may include working with schools, social groups and individuals on tree planting schemes, the production of wood products, such as hurdles and timber shingles, and assisting with educational activities.

A major part of social forestry is an understanding of the physical, emotional and psychological benefits that woodlands have on people. Social Foresters may work with individuals or groups on woodland activities that are educational or therapeutic.

Managerial work undertaken can involve the development of a business plan, marketing and control of budgets, preparing applications for funding or assessing planning applications. Managers may also be involved in the recruitment and supervision of staff and volunteers.

Working Conditions 

Work can be physically demanding and Social Foresters need to be prepared to work outdoors in all weathers.

Social Foresters typically work full-time. However, the hours may vary and weekend or Bank Holiday work can be required.

Depending on the area covered, there may be a significant amount of travelling between different sites. A driving licence may be required.

Next steps

It may be possible to progress to higher grades within similar roles, taking on greater supervisory responsibility. However, this will vary depending upon the nature of the employer.

Progression beyond the role will tend to be into a more managerial role, which will involve less hands-on practical work.

Useful links

Arboricultural Association

Chartered Foresters

Confederation of Forest Industries

Forestry Commission Scotland

My world of work

Royal Forestry Society

Head Foresters can have progressed to this more managerial position from a working role in the woodland. In addition to being responsible for the management of Forestry Workers, they will also undertake the planning of planting and harvesting activities and the monitoring and management of planted areas.

The role may also include significant conservation work, such as creating and restoring native woodlands. The type of practical work carried out on site will vary depending upon the nature of their employer, the type and location of the woodlands being managed. Working in private woodland or for Forestry Commission Scotland will often require a wider range of skills and knowledge, including land management skills.

A Head Forester will also usually have to control a budget and follow a business plan developed for the sites they manage. Some Head Foresters may manage several forests with Assistant Head Foresters looking after the teams at each location. Their main tasks may include planning the work to be carried out by staff and contractors, managing the maintenance of machinery and equipment, maintaining records of work and ensuring that health and safety policies are observed. They will also be required to survey and inspect trees and sites, selecting and marking up timber to be harvested as well as planning, monitoring and evaluating habitat management work.

A Head Forester will have an excellent understanding of sustainable forestry and be able to achieve high standards of environmental quality, protection and conservation.

Working Conditions 

Forest and woodland managers need a range of technical and professional skills. They will work indoors and outdoors in a range of weather conditions, and it can be physically demanding.

Head Foresters typically work full-time with some spent in the office.  However, the hours may vary and weekend or Bank Holiday work can be required.  

Depending on the area covered, there may be a significant amount of travelling between different sites. A driving licence may be required.

Next steps

Many foresters aim to complete the requirements for Chartered Forester or Arboriculturist status from the Institute of Chartered Foresters. This brings a high level of professional recognition within the sector.

Useful links

Arboricultural Association

Chartered Foresters

Confederation of Forest Industries

Forestry Commission Scotland

My world of work

Royal Forestry Society