Apprenticeship as a farmer in Germany 🥇 Guide 2024

If you are interested in working in the fresh air and living in the countryside, then the apprenticeship as a farmer in Germany might be interesting for you. We inform you how to become a farmer.

What does a farmer in Germany do?

Farmers in Germany produce animal or plant products. Animals are raised with the help of often home-grown plants and then sold for slaughter or used as dairy cattle. Through his or her work, the farmer maintains the soil and cares for animal welfare.

Plant production such as grass, corn meal, grain, fruits and vegetables are processed, stored, cared for and sold by the farmer after harvest. The same applies to animal products.

Overview of the activities of a farmer

As a farmer, you deal with these tasks, among others:

• Planning and implementing the production of plants and animals
• Working the soil and fields (soil care, fertilizing, mowing)
• Processing animal products
• Operating, maintaining and repairing machinery and equipment
• Harvesting, processing and sale of agricultural products
• Documentation and business management processes.

More than half of the farms in Germany have additional sources of income beyond the actual production of crops and livestock. So you should be open to working on certain items on this list as well:

• Hosting guests
• Selling agricultural products at your own farm shops
• Leasing and management of land
• Use of renewable energies
• Providing services with your own fleet of vehicles.

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How to become a farmer with an apprenticeship

If you want to become a farmer, there are several paths into agricultural professions in Germany. The best known is an apprenticeship as a farmer in Germany. For an apprenticeship as a farmer in Germany you only need at least a secondary school diploma or an international school diploma with at least 9 grades. If you do not have a diploma yet, there are possibilities how you can catch up a school leaving certificate.

Organization of the apprenticeship as a farmer

The apprenticeship program normally takes three years, but it can also be shortened to two years.

Your apprenticeship will take place both at trade school and on farms. When choosing your apprenticeship, make sure that you get to know several farms: the more you get to know, the better you can position yourself as a farmer later on!

What your apprenticeship as a farmer entails

During your apprenticeship program you will learn the basics of plants, animals, technology, environment, organic farming, economics and politics.

You will get to know two branches of plant production and two branches of animal production in detail. You can choose from the following branches:

Plant production

• Arable forage production
• Cereal production
• Grassland or field grass
• Legume farming
• Potato growing
• Grain maize cultivation
• Oil crop cultivation
• Silviculture
• Sugar beet cultivation

Animal production

• Poultry rearing or fattening
• Laying hen farming
• Dairy cattle farming
• Horse husbandry
• Cattle rearing or cattle fattening
• Sow rearing and piglet production
• Sheep farming
• Pig rearing or pig fattening

During your apprenticeship, you will also learn about agricultural machinery in specialized courses. This includes, for example, metalworking and metal processing, so that you can repair machines and equipment on the farm yourself.

Examinations during the apprenticeship

Before starting the last year of training, you will have to take an intermediate test on your knowledge. This exam consists of
a written and an operational part. At the end of the training period there is a final examination. This exam covers all the skills and knowledge listed in the training framework as well as the content covered in trade school classes.

The final examination is divided into a written examination and a company examination.

The company examination is practical and oral. The tasks include one work sample from plant production and one from animal production. There is also a technical discussion in both areas. In this, the trainee must demonstrate that he or she understands important operational contexts and can apply the skills and knowledge acquired.

The written examination comprises the following parts:

• Plant production
• Animal production
• Economics and social studies

What comes after the apprenticeship?

After successfully completing your apprenticeship, you can work as a journeyman on a farm or take over your own farm. You can also gain further qualifications, for example as a master farmer, a state-certified economist or a state-certified agricultural business economist. The state-certified nature and landscape conservationist is also an option.

In Germany, you can also study agriculture. In many different places, you can take courses of study that are closely related to agriculture. Many courses are also available on a part-time basis. There are also agricultural degree programs in Germany with English as the language of instruction.

Should I become a farmer in Germany?

If you want to become a farmer, you should answer “yes” to as many questions as possible from the list below:

• Do I enjoy physical work?
• Do I also like office work?
• Am I good at strategy and planning?
• Can I work nights if necessary?
• Do I not mind bad weather?
• Can I handle numbers (math) and am I good at biology and chemistry?
• Can I work independently?
• Can I cope with modern technology?
• Can I get up very early in the morning?

Apprenticeship as a farmer in Germany questions

Specializations and Advanced Education in German Agriculture

In Germany, agricultural education goes well beyond basic farming techniques. For those who complete an apprenticeship as a farmer and wish to pursue advanced studies, several educational paths open up that allow specialization in specific agricultural fields. German universities and vocational schools offer a wide range of courses, covering everything from agricultural engineering to sustainable practices.

Specializations like Crop Science, Livestock Management, and Agribusiness are in high demand. These fields allow former apprentices to gain in-depth knowledge in specific areas and are offered as both bachelor’s and master’s programs in Germany. Students interested in Agricultural Engineering, for example, can learn advanced techniques in machinery operation and repair, irrigation systems, and the integration of technology into farming. This field is especially beneficial for those looking to work with large-scale agricultural operations or in agritech innovation.

A few of the leading universities for agricultural studies in Germany include:

• University of Hohenheim – Known for its advanced agribusiness and sustainable agriculture programs.
• Technical University of Munich (TUM) – Offers programs that blend agricultural technology with management.
• Georg-August University of Göttingen – Known for plant science and animal husbandry programs.

Specialized vocational schools also provide courses focusing on Sustainable Agriculture, a growing field emphasizing eco-friendly farming practices, resource management, and soil health. These institutions equip students with the knowledge to address the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability in farming.

Specialization pathways in German agriculture:

These programs position graduates to take on specialized roles in agriculture, where their expertise is highly valued by both private companies and government agencies.

Work Opportunities After Apprenticeship

Upon completing a farming apprenticeship, various employment opportunities await in Germany’s agricultural sector. Germany has a robust demand for trained agricultural professionals, particularly in roles that blend traditional farming skills with modern techniques and technologies.

Roles such as Farm Managers, Agronomy Consultants, and Crop Specialists are in high demand. Farm managers oversee day-to-day operations, making strategic decisions about crop rotation, soil health, and livestock care. Agronomy consultants, on the other hand, provide expertise on improving crop yields, pest management, and soil conservation. Crop specialists focus on optimizing the growth, yield, and health of specific crops, often working closely with farms to maximize production in a sustainable way.

Many former apprentices also find work with agribusiness companies, which value practical farming experience. Organizations like Bayer Crop Science and KWS SAAT SE, a major seed producer, actively recruit graduates with farming experience for roles in research, marketing, and agronomy consulting. Additionally, roles within government organizations and environmental agencies are available for those with expertise in sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation.

Key job titles and hiring sectors in German agriculture:

• Farm Manager – Manages large farm operations, planning crops, handling machinery.
• Agronomy Consultant – Advises on soil management, crop health, and environmental practices.
• Livestock Specialist – Focuses on animal welfare, breeding, and nutrition in livestock.
• Agricultural Technician – Works with technology in agriculture, such as automated farming equipment.
• Agribusiness Consultant – Offers business and strategy advice to farms and agricultural enterprises.

For those aiming for immediate employment, farm management and agronomy consulting are among the best-paid options within the sector, with starting salaries often above average for vocational graduates.

Dual Studies in Agriculture

For apprentices who wish to continue gaining work experience while pursuing a degree, Germany offers dual studies programs in agriculture. Dual studies allow students to divide their time between classroom education and practical, hands-on work with an employer. This model is particularly beneficial in agriculture, as it provides direct access to industry experience while gaining theoretical knowledge.

German universities like the Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf and University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück offer these dual programs in partnership with agricultural companies. Students work part-time at partner organizations, learning skills in areas such as agronomy, sustainable agriculture, and farm management while earning a salary. Dual studies programs in agriculture typically take 3-4 years to complete, with graduates obtaining a bachelor’s degree along with valuable work experience.

Advantages of dual studies in agriculture:

• Financial Security – Students earn a salary while studying, making education more affordable.
• Career Network – Connections made during work placements can lead to full-time positions.
• Specialized Training – Dual studies allow students to specialize in fields directly relevant to their work, such as precision agriculture, agribusiness, or crop science.

These programs are especially suited for those who prefer practical, real-world experience and the financial benefits of working while studying.

Seasonal and Part-Time Agricultural Jobs

Germany’s agricultural sector offers numerous seasonal and part-time jobs, which can be valuable for apprentices seeking additional income or specific crop or livestock experience. Seasonal work is especially prevalent during harvest seasons for high-demand crops like apples, grapes, and asparagus.

Several programs match workers to seasonal jobs, including options for international apprentices and students. Agricultural employment agencies and regional job centers provide listings for seasonal positions, with popular work areas including fruit harvesting, planting, and livestock care. Additionally, organic farms often hire seasonal workers to assist with planting and harvesting crops, particularly those that require delicate handling, such as organic produce.

For apprentices looking to gain broader experience across Germany, these part-time roles provide valuable exposure to different farming techniques, crop types, and local agricultural practices.

Common seasonal and part-time jobs for agricultural workers:

• Fruit Harvesting – Apples, strawberries, grapes, and other fruits, mainly during spring and autumn.
• Greenhouse Work – Involves tending to plants, vegetables, and flowers in controlled environments.
• Livestock Feeding and Care – Assisting with daily tasks related to livestock management, primarily on dairy and cattle farms.
• Vegetable Planting and Harvesting – Particularly for root vegetables and organic produce, which have high labor demands.

Many apprentices use these seasonal roles to gain experience in different aspects of agriculture, while others take them as flexible opportunities to earn additional income.

Pathways to Farm Ownership and Entrepreneurship

For those with ambitions to own or manage a farm, Germany offers a well-defined support system for young agricultural entrepreneurs. Government programs and financial institutions provide grants, loans, and mentorship resources for apprentices who aim to transition to farm ownership.

Grants and loans, such as those from the Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank, Germany’s rural development bank, are designed to help young farmers acquire land, machinery, or livestock. These funds are especially targeted toward sustainable and innovative projects, rewarding young farmers who adopt eco-friendly practices. Additionally, federal programs like the Junge Landwirte Förderung (Young Farmers Promotion) support first-time farm buyers under 40, offering financial subsidies to offset the costs of land and equipment.

Organizations like the German Young Farmers’ Association provide mentorship and networking opportunities, connecting new farmers with experienced mentors and peers. This guidance helps young farmers navigate regulatory requirements, market demands, and innovative practices in sustainable farming.

Keyword search: agriculture, farming, Working at the country side