Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Danny Doyle, Tillage Farmer
Danny completed a Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture and then a Level 6 Advanced Crops and Machinery Certificate at the Teagasc Kildalton Agriculture College in Piltown, County Kilkenny. He currently farms with his parents on a large scale tillage operation near Rathangan in County Kildare.
Videos on the Web
- Tillage Farmer- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
Working Life
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Harvest plants, and transplant or pot and label them.
- Operate tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery to plow, harrow and fertilise soil, or to plant, cultivate, spray and harvest crops.
- Set up and operate irrigation equipment.
- Repair and maintain farm vehicles, implements, and mechanical equipment.
- Harvest fruits and vegetables by hand.
- Clean work areas, and maintain grounds and landscaping.
- Sell and deliver plants and flowers to customers.
- Sow grass seed, or plant plugs of grass.
- Inform farmers or farm managers of crop progress.
- Direct and monitor the work of casual and seasonal help during planting and harvesting.
Qualities - Tillage Farmer
Interests - Tillage Farmer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Tillage Farmer
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: Greenkeeping, Horticulture.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: Agriculture, Agricultural Studies , Crops & Machinery Management, Forestry , Horticulture , Landscape Architecture , Organic Gardening , Commercial Horticulture.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples:
Farm Technician,Farm Management, Arboriculture,Horticulture, Stud Farm Assistant Manager.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: Agricultural Science, Agricultural Science and Sustainability , Agriculture , Crop Science - Agricultural Science, Agriculture, Agricultural Studies , Crops & Machinery Management, Forestry , Horticulture , Landscape Architecture , Organic Gardening , Commercial Horticulture.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: Agriculture, Agricultural Studies , Crops & Machinery Management, Forestry , Horticulture , Landscape Architecture , Organic Gardening , Commercial Horticulture.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Tillage Farmer
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €46k
Salaries vary by employer, locaton, duties, role, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Glassdoor
Last Updated: May, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Tillage Farmer
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Agricultural technicians; herd managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Farmers had a negative employment growth over the five-year period, with employment levels remaining broadly unchanged between 2021 and 2022.
Of those employed as farmers, 61% were aged 55 years or older which will likely impact future employment numbers in this occupation.
Useful Contacts - Tillage Farmer
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Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority
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Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association
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Irish Farmers Association
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Clonakilty Agricultural College
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Kildalton Horticultural College
