Careers

Responsibilities

As a farm manager, you'll need to:

• plan finances and production to maintain farm progress against budget parameters
• undertake practical activities, such as driving tractors, operating machinery, feeding livestock or spraying fields
• market the farm's products
• buy supplies, such as fertiliser and seeds
• arrange the maintenance and repair of farm buildings, machinery and equipment
• plan activities for trainee staff, mentoring and monitoring them
• maintain and monitor the quality of yield, whether livestock or crops
• understand the implications of the weather and make contingency plans
• make sure products are ready for deadlines, such as auctions and markets
• ensure that farm activities comply with the relevant government regulations
• monitor animal health and welfare
• maintain knowledge of pests and diseases and an understanding of how they spread and how to treat them
• apply health and safety standards across the farms
• protect the environment and maintaining biodiversity
• keep financial records up to date
• apply for funding - if appropriate.

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Salary

Salaries are usually dependent on experience and the size of the farm. Other benefits may include free accommodation, a vehicle, mobile phone, private health insurance, pension scheme, a company performance bonus, and some opportunity to work from home.

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Working hours

You'll be on call day and night, six days a week. The work pattern is seasonally influenced, often with 16-hour days at busy times, such as harvesting. Seasonal labour can reduce your direct involvement in the day-to-day work on the farm.

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What to expect

• The work may be highly stressful due to factors beyond your control.
• Fluctuations in market prices can make long-term forecasting difficult.
• Although much of the work can be office based, many work activities will be outside and highly dependent on the weather.
• You should be prepared for an element of isolation, although many farming communities have a strong social life.
• Travel during the working day may occasionally be necessary. Where farming companies and growers have interests abroad there may be opportunities to work overseas.

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Qualifications

Academic qualifications as well as previous hands-on farming experience and technical knowledge are as important.

Most of our farm managers hold at least a degree or diploma in agriculture or a related subject such as:

• agricultural engineering
• crop management
• farm business management
• horticulture
• land/estate management.

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Key Traits

Farm managers need to be more than just hardworking individuals with a passion for agriculture; are required to have strong experiences in farm operations to navigate the challenges of running a successful farm business.

We are looking for farm managers with key traits such as:

1. Resilience

Ability to deal with numerous obstacles, from weather-related disaster to market fluctuation to changes in regulations. We are seeking farm managers who are resilient, able to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances. They must remain committed to their goals and are willing to take calculated risks to achieve them.

2. Business acumen

Farm managers must have a deep understanding of the business side of farming. You must be able to manage finances, create marketing strategies, and analyse data to make informed decisions. You are also required to be skilled negotiators who can communicate effectively with suppliers, customers, and employees.

3. Technical knowledge

Farming is a complex industry that requires a deep understanding of the science behind crop growth and animal husbandry. We are seeking farm managers with solid technical background and are up-to-date on the latest research and best practices.

4. Time management skills

Farming is a time-intensive occupation that requires careful planning and organization. Our farm managers must be able to manage their time and resources, prioritize their tasks, set realistic goals, and stick to a schedule to ensure that everything gets done on time.

5. Strong work ethic

Farming is hard work, and successful farm managers are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. They are committed to putting in the time and effort required to achieve their goals, and they lead by example, setting a high standard for their team members.

6. Dedication to sustainability

Sustainability is a critical issue in the farming industry, and we are committed to protecting the environment and preserving natural resources. Our farm managers must use sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation and reduced chemical use, to minimize their impact on the environment.

You'll need to have the following skills:

• a knowledge of food production and an awareness of customer demand and food standards
• good organisational and time-management skills
• the ability to work under pressure
• supervisory skills and management ability
• numerical ability
• preparedness to be outside in all weathers and patience to undertake practical and repetitive jobs
• a full driving licence
• self-motivation, with the ability to motivate others
• larger-scale business awareness
• IT, marketing and negotiation skills
• genuine commitment to farming
• good technical knowledge
• a good understanding of modern farming methods
• an understanding of the ways in which farming impacts the environment.

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Work experience

Practical experience in agricultural practice and farming for more 5 years is required.

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Contact us to find about the different kinds of work experience required.

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