Different types of farm work you need to know

Are you a backpacker? Considering farm work in Tasmania? In this article, we will illustrate the different types of farm work that you need to know.

When looking for farm work in Tasmania, it is important to know that there are different types of jobs you can do on a farm. There are different types of farms and the job duties vary. Mostly, all work on farms is done outdoors and some of the tasks include harvesting crops, tending to livestock, inspecting farm products and raising plants in greenhouses. Working on different types of farms requires physical fitness, the love of working outdoors, a lot of stamina and being willing to get dirty.

Agricultural workers

Farm or agricultural workers are responsible for various farm animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine. Farmworkers graze, feed, herd, brand, castrate, de-beak, weigh and catch farm animals. Farm animals are products of eggs, meat, fur, milk, feathers and honey.

Depending on the type of farm, some workers may have to operate various milking machines and maintain the housing areas for animals. Other duties of farm employees may include administering medications to farm animals, examining animals for injuries and diseases, and administering insecticides and vaccinations.

Labourers

These are usually responsible for harvesting fruits, vegetables, grain, fibre, nuts, trees, other crops and shrubs. They usually plant, prune, seed, irrigate, harvest, pack and load crops. Nursery workers and greenhouse workers, which are labourers, normally prepare greenhouse beds and lands for growing products such as flowers, plants, sold and trees. Their tasks consist of planting, watering, pruning, weeding and spraying plants.

Breeders

These comprise a big percentage of farm work. Animal breeders are responsible for choosing and breeding animals based on their animal science and genetics knowledge. Animal breeders use their animal science and genetics knowledge to produce animal offspring with certain traits and characteristics that may benefit the farm such as pigs that produce meat and cows that produce milk. Animal breeders should keep track of the characteristics of the animal offspring produced.

Sorters and graders

Sorters and graders normally examine products being prepared to be shipped off. The duties of graders and sorters are to classify the goods according to their colour, condition, and size and throw away defective or damaged goods.

Agricultural inspectors

These are normally employed by state and federal governments and their jobs are to ensure that the regulations and laws are enforced. They also govern to health, quality and safety of the products that the farm produces. An agricultural inspector should ensure that the equipment used in the production of goods is safe and adhere to the quality standards.

Handling maintenance and repairs

The general upkeep on the farm is performed daily. E.g., farm work includes fences that should be repaired or tightened. Farm work in Tasmania that includes handling and maintenance may include painting wood fences, outbuildings and barns. Farm equipment such as heavy machines should be oiled and greased regularly. Hoes, shovels, post-hole diggers, and chainsaws should be sharpened. Farmers may become skilled in different kinds of trades to perform electrical work, carpentry on the farm, plumbing and other duties.