A fieldsperson advises unit managers on the techniques and management processes that will optimise production on the pig units.
This profile highlights the skills and knowledge associated with the role. However, jobs will have varying responsibilities depending on level of the role and the size or type of the business.
A fieldsperson will usually operate across many sites in a large organisation, although independent fieldspersons do exist. They may specialise in one or both of breeding new stock, fieldsperson (breeding) or finishing stock, fieldsperson (finishing).
On a day-to-day basis, the job wouldn’t generally involve working on the unit. Instead, you might visit several units to check the animals and production systems. You would then meet with vets, unit managers, supervisors, and operatives to support and advise them on best practice and improvements to the breeding, raising, and finishing processes. You will need excellent communication skills to pass your advice on effectively to all these different groups.
Working as a fieldsperson is both challenging and rewarding. You’ll need to keep up with modern technologies and advances in welfare, breeding, and production. Your work will often be data-driven, requiring you to monitor performance, generate useful statistics, and produce forecasts for future production and business planning. You may also be involved in quality assurance, feed ordering, and transportation planning for the animals on the site.
Fieldspersons also work with different advisers or organisations to ensure their farms work efficiently, productively, and to best practice.
You will need transport for travelling between sites.
As a fieldsperson your responsibilities might include:
Personal Qualities
To work as a fieldsperson in the pig sector, you should:
You could be appointed as a fieldsperson based on experience. However, a relevant qualification, such as a degree in agriculture or animal production/science, and relevant work experience could increase your options.
This role would suit someone who is self-motivated, enthusiastic, and committed to making a difference to the industry.
As a fieldsperson, you’ll take responsibility for advising unit managers to ensure maximum productivity on the unit and across the business. You will:
The salary for a fieldsperson in the pigs sector is in the region of £28,000 to £30,000 per year.
This figure is for a full-time permanent position depending on level of experience, business type and location.
Within the agriculture and horticulture sectors there are often many associated benefits that are not reflected in the headline salary. These can include accommodation being provided or subsidised, travel pay, profit shares, vehicle use and production/performance bonuses.
You could progress further by taking a course combining agricultural knowledge and management skills. Specialist postgraduate qualifications are available to you as you progress through your career, for instance, an MSc in Livestock Production Science.
You might also want to consider joining the PigPro scheme, which recognises an individual’s continuing professional development (CPD).
You could also consider a position as a farm consultant providing technical support and advice to other farmers.
Courses which can help you on this career path include:
Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Agriculture
Level 3 Business Studies
BSc in Animal Production Science
FdSc Agriculture and Farm Management
BSc Applied Farm Management
BSc Agriculture
BSc Agricultural and Livestock Science
BA Business Studies
Employers and recruiters who hire for this role include:
The employers and recruiters listed below hire for roles like this one. If you would like your business to be listed here, please click the button underneath the logos shown here.
https://cranswick.plc.uk/careers/vacancies
https://www.jsr.co.uk/careers/
https://pilgrimseurope.current-vacancies.com/Recruitment/Index
https://www.roadhogsrecruit.co.uk/
For more information on career inspiration and lots of varied job profiles visit The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture’s website
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