16 Farm Hand Skills for Your Career and Resume

Farm hands are responsible for a variety of tasks on a farm, from feeding and caring for the animals to maintaining the equipment and grounds. Farm hands need to have a strong work ethic and be able to work long hours, as well as have a basic understanding of animal husbandry and agricultural practices. If you’re interested in becoming a farm hand, learning about the necessary skills can help you determine if this is the right career for you.

Dependability

Farm hands should be able to arrive at work on time and fulfill their duties for the entire day. This is important because it shows that they can be trusted to do their job well and consistently. It’s also beneficial to employers because it ensures that tasks are completed in a timely manner, which may help them meet production goals.

Harvesting

Harvesting is the process of collecting crops. Farm hands often perform this task, so it’s important to know how to harvest various types of produce. You can learn harvesting techniques through on-the-job training or by taking a class at a community college. When performing this skill, you should be able to identify which plants are ready for harvesting and have an understanding of proper harvesting methods.

Post-harvest Handling

Farm hands often perform post-harvest handling, which involves the processes that occur after crops are harvested. This includes activities like cleaning and sorting produce, preparing it for shipment or storage and maintaining records of production. Farm hands also use this skill when performing tasks such as harvesting vegetables, fruits and grains by hand.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a skill that can help you perform your job well. Farm hands often have many tasks throughout the day, and being able to complete each task with precision can help ensure the farm’s productivity. For example, if you’re working in an animal barn, paying attention to detail can mean knowing which animals need food or water at any given time.

Pest Control

Pest control is a necessary skill for farm hands to have, as it involves the removal of unwanted insects and pests from crops. This can include identifying which pests are present in the fields and how they should be treated. Farm hands with pest control skills may also help farmers develop strategies to prevent pests from damaging their crops.

Tractor Operation

Tractor operation is a necessary skill for farm hands to have, as it allows them to drive tractors and other machinery used in farming. Knowing how to operate tractors can help farm hands perform their duties more efficiently and safely. It’s also important that they know how to use the tractor correctly so they don’t damage crops or equipment.

Punctuality

Punctuality is the ability to be on time for appointments or meetings. Being punctual can help you maintain a positive reputation with your employer and colleagues, as well as ensure that you complete tasks in a timely manner. Punctuality also ensures that you arrive at work prepared and ready to begin working when your shift starts.

Physical Strength

Farm hands often need to lift and carry heavy objects, so it’s important for them to have physical strength. Farmhands also use their physical strength when performing tasks like harvesting crops or moving livestock. Having strong muscles can help farmhands perform these duties more efficiently and safely.

Crop Rotation

Crop rotation is the practice of changing where crops are planted each year to prevent soil from becoming depleted. This can help ensure that your farm produces healthy crops and reduces the risk of pests and disease. Farm hands should know how to rotate their crops to keep their fields productive. They may also need to rotate livestock pastures or apply compost to maintain a healthy environment for their animals.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Farm work often involves working outdoors in all types of weather, so flexibility can help you adjust your schedule and tasks as needed. For example, if a rainstorm delays planting, you may need to change your plans for the day. Being flexible can also allow you to take on new challenges or responsibilities when they arise.

Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry is the practice of caring for animals. This includes feeding, cleaning and providing medical attention when necessary. Farm hands often work with livestock, so animal husbandry skills are important to have as a farm hand. You can learn these skills through classes or on-the-job training.

Equipment Maintenance

Farm hands should know how to maintain and repair equipment. This can include tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems and other machinery used on farms. You may also be responsible for maintaining the farm’s vehicles, including trucks or cars that transport crops to market. Knowing how to perform basic maintenance tasks like changing oil, repairing brakes and fixing small engine issues can help you save time and money in the long run.

Hard Work

Farm hands often work long hours and perform physically demanding tasks. They need to be able to work hard for extended periods of time, sometimes outdoors in extreme weather conditions. Farm workers also need physical strength to lift heavy objects or pull large farm equipment.

Herbicide Application

Herbicides are chemicals used to kill weeds. Farm hands may need to apply herbicides to crops, soil and other areas of a farm. Knowing how to use herbicides correctly can help ensure the health of plants and prevent damage to nearby wildlife. It’s important for farm hands to understand the proper safety precautions when handling herbicides.

Soil Analysis

Soil analysis is the process of testing soil to determine its quality. Farm hands often perform this task by taking samples from different areas on a farm and sending them to a laboratory for evaluation. This skill can help you assess the health of crops, which may lead to more productive harvests. It also helps you identify any issues with the soil that need to be addressed before planting.

Irrigation

Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops. Farm hands often need to know how to operate irrigation equipment and understand when it’s necessary to irrigate a field. This skill can help you save time, money and resources for farmers by ensuring their crops receive enough water. You may also be responsible for maintaining an irrigation system, which requires knowledge of its inner workings.

How Can I Learn These Farm Hand Skills?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to learn farm hand skills will vary depending on the individual and the specific skills involved. However, some suggestions for learning farm hand skills include working on a farm as a volunteer or intern, taking classes at a local community college or agricultural school, or simply spending time working on a personal farm. No matter what method is used, it is important to be patient and to be willing to put in the hard work required to learn these skills.