How to become a farmer?

The profession of farmer requires a wide range of knowledge, particularly in plant or animal biology. And, as this sector is undergoing a great evolution thanks to technology, you must also acquire technical skills concerning, among other things, machinery and computers. So what training should you take to become a farmer? The guide.

The work of the farmer

A farmer's activities are considerably varied. His or her main work consists of developing plots of land. Farmers produce a variety of crops: cereals, vegetables, fruit, etc. During the year, the work of the land is composed of different stages. Processing, ploughing the soil and planting define the farmers' daily life. However, working times vary according to the types of crops, seasons and weather conditions. In addition to these tasks, the farmer also takes care of the administrative management of his activity in order to promote his farm. He takes care of the choice of crop or livestock, the purchase of agricultural equipment, the selection of partners, the management of the harvest, etc.

Training in agriculture

Many school courses lead to a diploma allowing you to become a farmer. For a classic course, you can apply to educational institutions specialising in agriculture. These training centres can supervise the study of people between 16 and 25 years of age through a specific work contract. The Maison Familiale Rurale (MFR) also offers training courses in agriculture. For those who cannot travel, distance learning courses also exist. You are already in the world of work and are planning a professional change? There are many training courses that allow you to retrain in agriculture. These are also aimed at young people who have left school and have no professional qualifications. For example, a vocational training and agricultural promotion centre (CFPPA) or an MFR delivers a Brevet Professionnel de Responsable d'Exploitation Agricole (vocational certificate for farm managers), as well as an Agricultural Technician diploma. These establishments also offer short-term training courses for those who want to acquire a specialization. Indeed, to practise certain crops requires specific certificates. If you also wish to become a breeder, knowledge of animal biology is essential. Feeding, reproduction and monitoring the state of health of the animals are essential for the development of production.

Why become a farmer?

The farmer is both the creator and manager of his business. Thus, this entrepreneur has a great deal of autonomy in the management of his farm. He can set up a schedule that suits him. It is also a job that is never boring. Indeed, the days are never the same since the tasks are varied and multiple: plant control, marketing of products, financial follow-up, etc. The farmer also participates in the preservation of the environment. Finally, if his activity develops well, the farmer can create jobs in rural areas.