Working in agriculture in Shetland

Today, agriculture is not one of Shetland’s largest employment sectors, but it continues to support many rural households. Around 1,900 people across the islands are involved in agriculture, with more than 140,000 hectares of land used for farming. For people who already live in Shetland, or those considering making the move, it can offer a rewarding path for those interested in practical outdoor work and community-based living.

Crofting and farming in Shetland

Much of Shetland’s agriculture is based on crofting, a traditional system of small-scale farming found across the Highlands and Islands. Crofts are typically modest parcels of land worked by tenants, often with access to shared grazing areas known as common grazings.

Crofting is often as much a way of life as it is a job. Many crofters combine farming with other employment, running their croft alongside work in sectors such as fishing, tourism, energy or the public sector. The result is a landscape of small mixed farms where livestock, haymaking and occasional crop production are part of everyday life.

What agriculture looks like today

Livestock farming forms the backbone of agriculture in Shetland. Sheep dominate the agricultural landscape, with hardy breeds such as Shetland sheep well adapted to grazing rough pasture and moorland. Cattle are also common on crofts, including the traditional Shetland cattle breed.

Crop production tends to be smaller in scale and shaped by the islands’ climate. Vegetables such as potatoes, kale and root crops are grown for local use, often in sheltered gardens or greenhouses. Modern polycrubs – a type of strong polytunnel developed in Shetland – help growers extend the short growing season and produce a wider range of food.

Working in the sector

Because farms are generally small, agricultural work in Shetland is varied and hands-on. People involved in the sector may be running their own croft, working on farms or providing services such as sheep shearing, fencing or machinery work. Agriculture also supports roles in the wider food and supply chain, including livestock markets, meat processing and agricultural services.

Opportunities do exist, but they are relatively limited compared with larger farming regions. Full-time agricultural jobs are not always common, and many people combine farming with other work or diversify their croft through tourism, crafts or food production.

Finding agricultural work

Agricultural job opportunities are relatively limited and may not always be widely advertised. Many roles are filled locally through community connections and word of mouth.

Occasionally, vacancies appear on national job sites such as Indeed or S1Jobs. People interested in crofting or agricultural work may also find opportunities through rural networks and organisations that support crofting and land-based work.

Being based in Shetland and building local connections can often be the best way to learn about roles as they arise.