Dairy Farm Worker Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 2026

The United Kingdom’s dairy sector plays a vital role in the country’s agricultural economy, producing milk, cheese, butter and other dairy products every day. In 2026, dairy farms across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are actively recruiting foreign workers, offering visa sponsorship through authorized sponsorship routes for qualified candidates. These jobs are ideal for people who enjoy outdoor work, animal care, and hands-on farm responsibilities.

Due to labour shortages in rural areas and the growing demand for skilled and reliable workers on farms, British dairy operations are looking beyond local labour pools. Foreign dairy farm workers — including general workers, milking assistants, herdspeople, and farm helpers — now have real opportunities to work in the UK with employer-supported visas.

This article gives you the complete overview of dairy farm worker jobs in the UK for foreigners in 2026, including visa sponsorship routes, job duties, eligibility, application steps, pay expectations, pros and cons, challenges and useful tips.

Job Details

Job Country: United Kingdom
Job Title: Dairy Farm Worker / Herdsperson / Farm Assistant
Who Can Apply: All nationalities (with employer sponsorship)
How to Apply: Online / Recruitment Agencies / Direct Employer Contact
Visa Sponsorship: Yes (Skilled Worker Visa or relevant agricultural sponsorship)
Experience: Entry level to intermediate (some training provided)

Visa Sponsorship in the UK

To work legally, foreign dairy farm workers must have a visa that allows them to live and work in the UK. Most employers offering dairy farm jobs will sponsor you through one of the following routes:

Skilled Worker Visa

This visa allows farms with Home Office approval to sponsor overseas workers. The job must meet certain salary and skill requirements and include a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer. This visa is suitable for long-term employment and can lead to longer residency options if you stay continuously.

Seasonal Worker Visa (Agriculture)

Some dairy and farm roles may be offered under the seasonal visa scheme, enabling you to work in the UK for a limited number of months. You will still need a job offer and a valid sponsorship certificate, but this route is oriented toward short-term agricultural work.

Important: Visa sponsorship requires that your employer is an approved Home Office sponsor and that the job matches visa requirements. Not all farms can offer sponsorship, so it’s essential to confirm sponsorship availability before applying.

Also Check: Farm Worker Jobs in Finland for Foreigners in 2026

Types of Dairy Farm Worker Jobs

Dairy farm roles in the UK can vary but commonly include:

1. Dairy Farm Worker / Farmhand
General farm duties including feeding cattle, maintaining barns, caring for livestock, cleaning equipment, and helping with daily milking routines.

2. Herdsperson / Milking Assistant
Focused on daily milking operations, monitoring cow health, assisting with calving and husbandry tasks.

3. Livestock Care Assistant
Taking care of animal welfare, vaccinations, monitoring health, and collaborating with veterinarians or farm supervisors.

4. Farm Support Worker
Includes tasks like equipment cleaning, pasture management, fence repair and other practical duties required on a working dairy farm.

Eligibility Criteria

Although requirements vary depending on the employer and visa route, general expectations for dairy farm jobs include:

✔️ Age: Typically 18 years or older
✔️ Basic English communication skills (important for safety & team coordination)
✔️ Agricultural or animal care experience is helpful, but entry-level roles often include training on the job
✔️ Physical fitness to work with livestock and perform prolonged standing or outdoor tasks
✔️ Valid passport and ability to meet UK visa requirements (identity, finances, health checks)

Skilled worker visas may require evidence that the role meets minimum salary thresholds and skill levels set by the UK Home Office.

Required Documents

When applying for dairy farm jobs with visa sponsorship, you’ll typically need:

• Updated CV/resume
• Passport and passport-sized photos
• Job offer letter and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Proof of agricultural experience (if available)
• Basic English language evidence (may help in interviews)
• Police clearance and medical fitness checks for a visa application

Salary Expectations

Pay for dairy farm workers in the UK varies by region, experience and employer:

💷 Typical annual salary: £22,000 – £30,000
💷 Hourly rates: Approximately £11 – £14+ per hour depending on contract and experience
💷 Additional benefits sometimes include on-site accommodation or assistance with housing.

Salaries may increase for specialist roles like herdsperson or supervisor positions.

Also Check: Farming Jobs in UK for International Workers with Visa Sponsorship

Advantages of Dairy Farm Work in the UK

⭐ Employer-supported visa process that helps secure legal work status
⭐ Real job experience in modern dairy farming practices
⭐ Many farms offer accommodation support or help find housing in rural areas
⭐ Opportunity for long-term employment and career progression in agriculture
⭐ Gain practical agricultural skills and potentially move into livestock management roles

Common Challenges

⚠ Rural work can be physically demanding with early mornings and outdoor labour.
⚠ Some farms are in remote areas with limited urban facilities.
⚠ Not all employers can sponsor visas — always confirm before applying.
⚠ Changes to UK immigration policy can affect visa routes and eligibility.

How to Apply for Dairy Farm Worker Jobs with Visa Sponsorship?

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare Your CV
Highlight relevant skills: animal care, milking routines, machinery familiarity, and physical fitness.

2. Search Jobs or Apply Now
Use job boards where sponsorship is clearly indicated (e.g., UK job portals like Indeed UK or Glassdoor UK with dairy farm categories) or click Apply Now.

3. Contact Employers Directly
Some farms list openings on their own websites or through agricultural recruitment agencies.

4. Attend Interview
Be ready to discuss hands-on farm experience, willingness to learn, and relocation plans.

5. Secure Job Offer & Sponsorship
Once accepted, the employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

6. Apply for a UK Work Visa
Submit your visa application online with documents from your employer’s sponsorship. Include passport, CoS details, and personal documents.

7. Visa Processing & Travel
Once approved, make travel arrangements and prepare for orientation with your farm.