Farmer, mixed operation

What does a farmer in mixed farming do? – Tasks and work environment

A farmer in mixed farming is responsible for both crop cultivation and animal husbandry, which means that the tasks are highly varied. The work includes planning and tending to crops, feeding and supervising animals, operating machinery, and maintaining buildings and equipment. The work environment is often physically demanding and primarily outdoors, with working hours that can be irregular and adapted to seasons and animal needs. Safety and good animal husbandry are central elements, and both practical and organizational skills are often required to succeed in the profession.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for farmers in mixed farming has been relatively stable. In 2022, the average salary was 26,900 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 26 700 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary increased again to 27 600 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 3.4%. This trend reflects a certain recovery, possibly influenced by higher demand for food production and increased costs in agriculture. Salary trends for the profession have been somewhat uneven, largely due to variations in market prices, production costs, and significant differences across regions and sectors.

Farmer in mixed farming salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 27 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,300 SEK/month (female, various sectors, unspecified education level)
• Highest salary: 50,400 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
• Hourly wage: 166 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 25,300 SEK (89% of men's salary), men earn 28,500 SEK
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a farmer in mixed farming, a high school education in natural resource management is usually required, but additional courses or post-secondary studies may be demanded depending on the farm's focus. Practical experience is highly valued, and many combine studies with internships or work on farms. Self-study, further training, and certifications in animal husbandry and machinery safety can increase employment opportunities and career development within the profession.

• High school education: Natural resource program, 3 years
• Post-secondary courses: Vocational university or college courses in agriculture
• Certificates: Machinery license, animal handling certificates
• Internships: Strongly recommended during studies
• Prerequisites: Interest in nature, technology, and animals

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for a farmer in mixed farming often include staff housing, access to work vehicles and machinery, as well as work clothing and protective equipment. Some employers also offer wellness allowances, training support, or opportunities for further education. On smaller farms, various forms of bonuses or shares in harvest and production may be available.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession of farmer, in mixed farming, is relatively low but the challenges can be significant. The agricultural sector is heavily affected by weather, market prices, and political decisions, which makes income uncertain and requires good planning skills. Access to modern machinery and technology varies, as do opportunities for further training. Physical strain and long working hours are common, and a high level of endurance and flexibility is often required to handle fluctuations in workload and seasonal work. The industry is moving toward increased technological use and demands for specialized skills, which set new requirements for competence and adaptability.

Tips for those wanting to become a farmer in mixed farming

To succeed as a farmer in mixed farming, it is good to have a genuine interest in both animals and crop cultivation, as well as a willingness to constantly learn new things. Being solution-oriented helps with unforeseen problems, especially when weather or machinery causes setbacks. Good physical endurance is an advantage, as the work can be demanding, especially during busy periods. The ability to plan and organize work efficiently is crucial to ensure both animal husbandry and cultivation function simultaneously. Communicating and collaborating with others, such as colleagues or advisors, can facilitate daily work and contribute to personal development. Curiosity about technology and a desire to update work methods are also valuable qualities, especially as the industry digitalizes. Finally, patience and flexibility are important since the work often requires quick adjustments and long-term thinking.

Key facts about a farmer in mixed farming

• Education level: High school education (natural resource program) most common, but post-secondary courses are gaining importance
• Work environment: Outdoors, physically demanding, seasonal
• Gender distribution: Significant salary differences, women earn 89% of men's salary
• Demand: 360 available jobs according to latest data
• Special skills: Broad knowledge of animals, cultivation, machinery, and economics

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a farmer in mixed farming can develop into more specialized roles, such as farm manager, agricultural advisor, or entrepreneur. There are also opportunities to become an educator, machinery supervisor, or work on development projects within agricultural technology. The future outlook for the profession is difficult to assess according to the Employment Service, due to limited data. However, there are currently 360 available jobs in the field, indicating ongoing demand, especially for those with broad skills and experience in both crop cultivation and animal husbandry.

Frequently asked questions about a farmer in mixed farming

• What does a farmer in mixed farming earn?
  - The average salary is 27 600 SEK per month, but it can vary between 25,300 SEK and 50,400 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• How does one become a farmer in mixed farming?
  - The most common pathway is the high school natural resource program, supplemented with internships and possibly post-secondary courses.
• What tasks does a farmer in mixed farming perform?
  - Tasks include crop cultivation, animal husbandry, machinery operation, maintenance, and planning.
• Are there many job openings for farmers in mixed farming?
  - Yes, there are 360 available jobs according to the latest data.
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Perseverance, problem-solving skills, flexibility, and an interest in nature and animals are central qualities.
• How does gender distribution affect salaries in the profession?
  - Women earn on average 89% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the highest salary for a farmer in mixed farming?
  - The highest reported salary is 50,400 SEK per month, for a woman with post-secondary education in the municipal sector.