Interesting farming facts

Farming plays a huge role in our everyday lives, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, but how much do your kids really know about it?

In this post, we’ve gathered 23 fun and interesting farming facts to spark their curiosity and get them learning about the world of farming.

Whether it’s fascinating details about animals, crops, or machinery, these facts are sure to grab your child's attention and help them appreciate the importance of farming.

Our Top 14 Farming Facts to Keep Little Farmers Entertained

Our top 14 farming facts are packed with surprising and fun information to keep your little farmers entertained and learning! From discovering how intelligent pigs really are to finding out just how many sheep are roaming the UK, we’ve covered it all.

Perfect for curious minds, these bite-sized facts will not only deepen their appreciation for farming but might just turn your little one into a farming mastermind! 

1. Farmland Covers Over 75% of the UK!

Did you know that over 75% of England is covered in farmland? That’s a lot of fields!

In fact, there are 2.7 million fields across the country, and within them, you’ll find all sorts of land types—like areas for growing crops and permanent grassland for animals to graze. That’s a whole lot of space dedicated to farming!

2. Pigs Are Actually Really Smart!

Did you know pigs are as smart as dogs and young kids? They can learn tricks, follow commands, and even play video games! Pigs have amazing memories and can remember where to find food for years.

Pigs can learn their names when they’re just a few weeks old. How cool is that?

See pigs are actually really smart!

3. Goats Have Rectangle Pupils

Yes, goats have super cool rectangle-shaped pupils! These special pupils give them an extra wide view—almost 320 degrees! That means goats can see almost everything around them without turning their heads.

Their rectangle pupils help them spot danger from the sides. Even when goats bend down to munch on grass, their eyes stay level with the ground so they can keep watch for any threats.

4. Scotland Has Its Own Breed of Cow

The Highland Cow is easy to recognise because of its long horns and shaggy coat!

As the name suggests, they come from the Scottish Highlands, where they’re tough enough to handle strong winds and heavy rain. Highland Cows are one of the oldest breeds, dating back to the 6th century!

Plus, Highland Cows can live up to 20 years—longer than most other cattle!

5. Farming is the Oldest Industry in the World

Did you know farming is the oldest job in the world?

Around 11,000 years ago, hunter-gatherers put down their spears and started growing crops. This shift allowed them to settle in one place and build villages. By 3,000 BC, ancient Egyptians were farming along the Nile River and raising animals like cows and sheep.

So, every time you enjoy a meal, remember that farming has been feeding us for over 10,000 years!

6. Chickens Can Remember Your Face!

Chickens can actually recognise and remember your face! They’re pretty smart and can remember up to 100 different faces, including those of other chickens, people, and even pets.

So, if you have a special chicken friend, it might remember you each time you visit. Isn’t that amazing?

7. Cows Made 26.2 Billion Pints of Milk Last Year!

Last year the UK produced over 26.2 billion pints litres of milk! That’s enough to cover the entire city and county of Cardiff with a milk layer more than 10 centimetres deep.

Imagine a giant, creamy sea of milk—you could almost swim in it! Isn’t that a fantastic way to think about just how much milk we produce?

8. Being on the Farm Can Have a Positive Impact On Your Health

Being around animals like cows and chickens, and breathing in fresh country air, can make you feel happier and healthier. Plus, working on the farm, like feeding animals or helping with crops, gets you moving and keeps you active.

So, next time you visit a farm, remember it’s not just fun—it’s good for you too!

9. There Are 3 Main Types of Farming in the UK!

In the UK, farming comes in three exciting types!

Arable farming focuses on growing crops like wheat and potatoes.

Livestock farming is all about raising farm animals such as cows , sheep, and pigs.

And then there’s mixed farming , which combines both—growing crops and raising animals on the same farm! Each type plays a key role in making sure we have plenty of delicious food to enjoy.

10. There Are Over 31 Million Sheep in the UK!

There are around 31 million sheep in the United Kingdom, which means there’s more than one sheep for every two people! And here’s something even cooler: there are over 90 different breeds of sheep in the UK!

So, when you see a flock, you might spot all sorts of unique and fluffy friends, each with their own special traits.

11. Farming Isn't Easy!

Farming might look fun with all the animals and crops, but it’s actually a lot of hard work!

Farmers wake up early, work in all kinds of weather, and take care of animals and plants every day. From fixing fences to harvesting crops , there’s always something to do.

So, the next time you enjoy a farm-fresh meal , remember how much work went into growing it!

12. There Are More Chickens Than People on the Planet!

There are over 19 billion chickens on the planet, meaning they outnumber humans by almost 3-to-1! These feathered friends provide us with delicious eggs, make fun companions, and, yes, we do eat quite a few of them too.

13. Cows Have Four Stomachs: Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum and Abomasum

Cows have four unique compartments in their stomachs that help them digest tough foods like grass. These compartments—called the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum—each play a special role in breaking down the rough food they eat.

Cows are brilliant eaters with an incredible digestive system!

9 Facts About Farming in the Rest of the World

From giant farms in China to cool gadgets used to help with planting and harvesting, farming is really amazing and full of variety.

Let’s explore some fun facts about how farming works all around the world!

1. Big Job: Farming is the world's largest employer, with 40% of people working in agriculture!


2. Growing Food: To keep everyone fed, farmers need to grow 70% more food by 2025!


3. Girl Power: Around 43% of people working in agriculture are women, and in many developing countries, women grow 60% to 80% of the food.


4. Huge Fields: India has the most cropland per person, followed by the United States, China, and Russia.


5. Mega Farm: The Mudanjiang City Mega Farm in China is one of the biggest farms in the world!


6. Farmers Everywhere: Farmers are found all over the globe, from big cities to small villages.


7. Food Variety: Farmers grow all kinds of food, from fruits and veggies to grains and dairy products.


8. Tech on Farms: Modern farms use cool technology, like drones and robots, to help with planting and harvesting.


9. Helping the Planet: Farmers also work on keeping the soil healthy and protecting the environment while growing our food.

Why It's Important to Learn About Farming in the UK

Learning about farming in the UK is important for both kids and adults because it connects us with where our food comes from and the hard work behind it. Understanding farming helps us appreciate the effort involved in growing and raising food, and it fosters a deeper connection to nature and the environment.

It also teaches us about sustainability and the need to care for our land and resources, which is crucial for protecting our planet.

Where to Find Out More About Farming in the UK

If you want to learn more about farming in the UK, there are some great places to check out! Countryside Online and NFU Online are packed with info about farming and what’s happening in agriculture.


Food a Fact of Life has free resources designed to help kids learn about where food comes from and how it’s made.


Plus, you can visit local farms during Open Farm Sunday, a fantastic annual event organised by LEAF where you can see farming up close and chat with real farmers.

Final Thoughts: Create a Fun Farming Quiz With Our Interesting Facts!

Ready to test your knowledge? Use these cool farm facts to create your own fun farming quiz! Challenge your friends and family to see how much they know about the fascinating world of farming. From giant farms in China to the amazing four stomachs of cows, there’s so much to discover and learn.

So, grab these interesting facts, make up some questions, and have a great time quizzing everyone on the incredible world of farming!


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FAQs

What Do Farmers Grow The Most?

When it comes to what farmers grow the most in the UK, it's wheat! Wheat is a super popular crop that covers about five million acres of land and produces around 15 million tonnes every year. It's a big part of our food and helps make lots of the bread and pasta we eat!

Can These Farming Facts Be Used for Farming Quiz Questions?

Yes, these farming facts are perfect for quiz questions about farming!

How Many Sheep Are In Scotland?

In 2023, the total number of sheep in Scotland was 6.61 million.

What is the Best Way to Learn About Farming for Kids?

For preschoolers, Tractor Ted is a brilliant way to introduce them to farming in a fun and engaging way!

Kelly-Ann Victor

Kelly-Anne Victor

Hi, I'm Kelly-Anne, proud mum to Henry and Carmen. I lead all things marketing at Farm Toys Online. Alongside Julia, I'm on a mission to rescue kids from screens, focusing on helping parents choose the perfect farm toys that spark imaginative play. My favourite tractor brand is Massey Ferguson, and when it comes to horses, I adore a Welsh Pony!

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