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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM AGRICULTURE →

Poultry Farmer

Poultry farmers raise chickens, ducks, turkeys and other birds for meat and eggs. They care for the animals, manage breeding, and run a business that feeds millions of people across the UK.

Poultry Farmer

8

Agriculture

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY8
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST
53%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£20,000 - £25,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (8), and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

The role

As a Poultry Farmer, you look after flocks of birds - from chicks to adults - and manage everything they need to be healthy and productive. The job combines hands-on animal care with business skills and record-keeping.

You feed your birds the right diet, give them vaccinations when they need them, and watch for any signs of illness. You keep the farm clean and stop disease from spreading - this is important because one sick bird can damage a whole flock. You keep records of how much the birds grow, how much they eat, and how many eggs they lay, so you can spot what's working and what needs to change. You have to follow health and safety rules, and care for the land properly. The work is hands-on and sometimes physical, but if you enjoy working with animals and the outdoors, it's rewarding.

Daily responsibilities

  • Manage the daily feeding and health monitoring of poultry flocks.
  • Implement biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks.
  • Oversee the maintenance of housing and equipment for optimal living conditions.
  • Record and analyze data on production metrics, such as egg yield and growth rates.
  • Coordinate with suppliers for feed, vaccines, and other essential supplies.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and environmental standards.
  • Engage in marketing and sales activities to promote poultry products.
  • Monitor market trends and adjust farming practices accordingly.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree in agriculture or animal science provides candidates with a solid foundation in modern farming techniques, animal welfare, and sustainable practices. This academic background not only enhances practical skills but also opens doors to advanced roles within the industry.