Fascinating Facts About the Benefits of Farming 

As children, the thought of going to a farmyard to see the animals was an exhilarating experience. It allowed us to get up close with the creatures we read so much about in our storybooks and adored from afar through our television screens.  

For many, visiting farms as children or as an adult would help you feel closer to nature and have you come away with an overall sense of happiness. Surely this is just down to the farm animals being so adorable? While farm animal cuteness is certainly a big factor, there’s a lot more to the science behind the reasons why farms have such a positive effect on mankind.  

If you love animals and the outdoors, read on to find out some of the fascinating facts about farming benefits. Plus, how you can get the education required to benefit the lives and happiness of farm animals too!  

What Are the Benefits of Farming? 

Sure, we all know farming is essential to feed and water the human population. It’s an age-old practice that has helped every person in existence to thrive, no matter if you’re vegan, vegetarian or otherwise.  

Aside from the harvest, perhaps the reason why farming has been a staple in societies across the globe is the many other ways it positively impacts people. But what are they? 
 

Farming Keeps Your Mind Active

Ask any Farmer around the world what they think of their job and we are certain they will never say it’s boring. Farming requires persistence and problem-solving skills to overcome ever-changing obstacles, not to mention quick reflexes and a shrewd eye for detail to recognise when new problems arise and take action.  

This constant mental stimulation and the need to keep pace with evolving processes and technology helps keep individuals in farming and agricultural roles engaged and motivated throughout life and into their older years. 

Farming Reduces Poverty 

Employment in rural areas can be a major cause for concern in many worldwide societies, which is why so many countries depend on the economic benefits of farming. Crop and livestock farming provides many vital job opportunities in rural communities. In fact, agriculture and farming industries are the main sources of employment in many areas. 

Studies have even shown that economical investment in farming and related areas is far more beneficial in terms of preventing poverty than many other methods.  

Farming Instils Good Values on Youths 

Like the Farmer who is never bored, you would be hard pushed to find a Farmer who didn’t have an excellent work ethic. Farmers around the globe are renowned for their grit and determination, as are the children that grow up or are regularly exposed to working farm environments.  

Today, advancements in technology are making life easier for everyone. This is incredible in terms of societal progression, but it has arguably had a negative impact on the work ethic of younger generations.  



Children who are raised around the ‘input=output’ concept of farms and similar environments have a solid grasp of the value of hard work. Not only that, but they also have a greater appreciation of other highly valuable and otherwise hard to instil values such as: 
 

• The importance of being accountable 
• Being caring and empathetic towards animals 
• Being an effective custodian of our lands 
• Valuing teamwork 
• Appreciating the value of money 
• Taking pride in what they do 

 

Farming Can Be Good for the Environment  

While farming traditionally hasn’t spared any thought to its impact on the environment, times are changing. The Farmers of today are making substantial headway in safeguarding and preserving the lands we live on, as well as the life that exists within them. 

The benefits of farming to the environment have been identified by Farmers with a sustainability-first approach to their work. Healthy biodiversity is essential for the rest of life as we know it to thrive. It’s also vital for healthy soil, pollinators, water conservation and minimal erosion, all of which are important for successful farming practices.  

Farmers who see the direct connection between these factors are putting the land and life first ahead of decisions that largely focus on short term gain. A prime example is the benefits of organic farming, which have resulted from cutting the use of harmful chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. 

Farming Boosts Your Health

The animal lovers reading this will be pleased to hear that some of the most substantial benefits of farming come from, you guessed it, the animals themselves. Not only are the sheep, cows, horses, pigs and other creatures that roam the paddocks absolutely adorable, being around them has been proven to boost your physical and mental health.  

If you wanted even more of a reason to visit your local farm, studies have proven that livestock farming can: 
 

• Cut asthma and allergies – Frequent exposure to animal dander, dirt and germs has proven to make people less likely to develop asthma and allergies   
• Boost immunity –  Children growing up on farms have proven to have more powerful immune systems and gut microbiomes, and they experience fewer chronic diseases than children living elsewhere. This is thanks to increased movement, sun exposure, and inhalation of microbe-rich barnyard dust  
• Enhance heart health – Regular interaction with animals lowers stress levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. Working with farm animals is also a great way to get active, keeping your weight down and reducing obesity risk   
• Calm your mind – Visits to and work at Care Farms are now commonly prescribed as part of the treatment for individuals experiencing behavioural, emotional, memory and mental health issues. Equine riding programmes are also successful in reducing anxiety and stress in teenagers. This is due to interaction with and caring for farm animals proving to provide benefits like structure, purpose, relaxation and improved coping skills

Study Farm Animals 

If you like the idea of working closely with farm animals to reap the health benefits this offers, as well as simply enjoy the experience, you can study farm animal courses to help you become the best caregiver possible for these animals. 

As the importance of sustainable farming becomes more of a priority, so too does the health and welfare of livestock on pastoral farms. By getting educated, you can become an effective custodian for cows, sheep, chickens and other animals that reside on farmland, UK learners, as well as help promote farm animal health and welfare. 

At Animal Courses Direct, we offer a Level 3 Award in Farm Animal Studies which is designed to: 
 

• Teach you the principles of farm welfare and animal health, including the signs of good and poor health 
• Show you how to conduct routine health checks 
• Introduce you to common farm animal diseases and factors that affect farm animal welfare including stress 
• Teach you the relevant animal welfare legislation, such as The Animal Welfare Act (2006) which includes the concept of The Five Freedoms 
• Equip you with an understanding of animal welfare and the legal responsibilities attached  

This course is Ofqual regulated, so employers in the farming and agricultural industries will know you have the skills and knowledge to care for their farm animals effectively.  

Enrol Today!

The farm life is an essential element of our world, but it is also one that, like many industries, has much room for improvement. By studying farm animals and land-based subjects, we can learn to be the best custodians of our lands and the life that exists within them. This, in turn, will help all of life to exist in healthy harmony for many years to come. 

Find out more about how you can become a voice for the rights and welfare of farm animals by contacting our Course Advisors today. They can walk you through the course and help answer any questions you have. 

Call them now on 01202 006 040, contact us online or click below to view the course in more detail!   

Also, if you adore animals, you can keep track of all upcoming animal awareness days and events with our FREE calendar! Download it here.