Key statistics on the sector in the UK suggest that:

• the average age of the sector is 42 years, compared to 39 years in the economy as a whole
• just under 80% of proprietors are aged 45 years and over
• 33% in agriculture are aged 55 years and over
• 11% of workers are aged 16-24 years
• 20% of employed staff in the sector are aged 25-34 years
• 24% aged 35-44 years
• 21% aged 45-54 years
• 16% are 55-64 years
• 7% are aged 65 years and over

By 2015, it is expected that 55% of the workforce will be aged 40 years and over.

Veterinary nursing and the equine industry have a much younger profile, compared to the agricultural crops and livestock industries.

There is a shift from urban to rural areas with population growth in rural areas three times that of urban areas.  This increase is, however, not of young people who are required by the sector as its current workforce approaches retirement age, but rather, young people are leaving rural areas and are being replaced by older individuals or retired people.

Source: Sector Skills Agreement Stage 1: Overview 2005, Sector Skills Agreement Stage 1: Key Drivers of Skill Demand 2005 and Sector Skills Agreement Stage 1: Analysis of Current and Future Skills Needs 2005