FRS Farm Relief are the leading employers of farm workers and operators onto farms across Ireland and are seeking additional workers to join their growing teams.
Being an FRS operator is a uniquely flexible role, which suits many people seeking outdoor work, such as young people looking for experience, those with spare capacity outside of their own farm, women who want to avail of work while their children are at school and those looking to change their career like FRS operator, Damian.
Born in Argentina, Damian knew from a young age he wanted an adventure. With his parents being Italian, his EU dual citizenship meant that he called many European countries home before coming to Ireland.
“I always wanted to travel and do something different. I was a city boy, and my teachers would ask about college, but I knew I wanted to experience different cultures and lifestyles.”
With a great work ethic but little knowledge of farming, Damian set off to New Zealand to work on a dairy farm for a year. At 18 years of age, Damian was milking 200+ cows and helping throughout the busy calving season.
“It was tough as it was something completely new. The days were long, but I learnt a lot of new skills. Overall, it was really gratifying to say I did it”.
Damian then went on to study and purse a career in Marketing where he worked in numerous high-level roles across Europe. When the 2020 pandemic hit, he was working and living in Spain but unhappy with his lifestyle. In searching for jobs, Damian came across an opportunity to work and live in Ireland with FRS Farm Relief. It suited due to his EU citizenship, it was an English-speaking country and was also on his bucket list to visit.
“Something clicked in me as I realised, I needed a change. I looked at and applied for a wide range of jobs across many different industries. I googled farm jobs and found the FRS website. It looked professional so I contacted them with my C.V. I had farming experience already, so it was an easy process. I was offered 3 jobs in one day, 2 for tech companies and 1 to work with FRS. I was ready for a change and the idea of the unknown and a new adventure in a different country sounded great, so I chose FRS.”
After speaking with Liam from FRS, Damian came to work on a dairy farm in January 2021. The farm milks an average of 230 cows and once Spring was over Damian had the choice to do relief milking on a near by farm.
“I feel like a freelance farmer. I value my freedom but also feel like part of the family. I have a good relationship with the farmers, and this makes it easier. I do all types of farm work, but I personally like milking. There is a flow with what you are doing.”
Life working on a farm has benefited Damian. Not only does he feel more connected to nature, but he also enjoys what he is doing and life during the pandemic feels less stressful.
“I was intrigued about what the change in my lifestyle would do to my life. Now I am moving all the time, I’m outside, it’s actually very peaceful. It is a physical job and can be tough, but I like the resilience you develop with it. I have gained a lot.”
The flexibility of working as an operator with FRS Farm Relief has allowed Damian to visit different parts of Ireland and even undertake a mountaineering course.
“I appreciate the outdoors a lot more. I live near the hills and enjoy going on walks and exploring so I did a mountaineering course. Working with FRS has been a good experience for me. I am in charge of my schedule and the work is diverse, but FRS will also work with you if you find something you really like to do.”
Damian is just one of the many full-time FRS operators across the country. If you are interested in becoming an FRS operator visit www.farmrelief.ie/careers and fill out an application form online or alternatively you can call 0818 890 890.