Jobs, Careers and Occupations

Farm Managers

Farm Managers Nature of Work

Farm managers and farmers usually own and operate mainly family-owned farms. They may also lease land from a landowner and operate it as a working farm. Farm managers and farmers manage all aspects of farm activities, cultivation, fertilization, harvesting, soil erosion and composition, disease prevention, nutrition, crop rotation and marketing.

Farm Managers Work Conditions

Farm managers and farmers may work on large or small enterprises, or they may need to travel between a number of properties to manage activities. They spend much of their time working outdoors.

The work of farm managers and farmers is often strenuous; work hours are frequently long; and they rarely have days off during the planting, growing, and harvesting seasons. Nevertheless, for those who enter farming, the disadvantages are outweighed by the quality of life in a rural area, working outdoors, being self-employed and making a living working the land. Farm managers and farmers on crop farms usually work from sunrise to sunset during the planting and harvesting seasons. During the rest of the year they plan next season’s crops, market their output, and repair machinery; some may earn additional income by working a second job off the farm.

Farm Managers Personal Requirements

• good at planning
• able to analyze and solve problems
• good organizational and supervisory skills
• good communication skills
• responsible approach and attitude
• enjoy working outdoors in all kinds of weather
• able to endure isolation and limited social contact
• able to handle animals with confidence and patience
• mechanical aptitude
• able to work independently

Farm Managers Duties and Tasks

Farm managers and farmers may perform the following tasks:

• manage the business capital, plans and strategic direction of the business
• manage the financial aspects of the business by controlling income and expenses
• decide or advise on the kind of crops to be grown, the area to be sown or planted and the livestock to be raised
• plan the type of farming activities to be undertaken, estimate operating costs and order supplies such as seed, fertilizer, livestock fodder and farm equipment
• recruit, coordinate and direct farm workers on crop growing and livestock raising
• plant, spray, fertilize, harvest and sell crops
• handle, load and transport livestock for showing, slaughter or sale
• clean and maintain buildings, sheds, pens, equipment and facilities to maintain health standards and high quality of produce
• monitor animal health and seek veterinary advice when necessary
• make sure there is adequate food supply, water and protection from the weather for livestock
• make sure temperature, ventilation and lighting conditions are comfortable for livestock kept indoors
• observe and record produce quality, livestock body weight and condition, and adjust feeding programs if required
• plan activities to minimize environmental degradation, monitor environmental effects of farming activities and repair existing damage through programs such as tree planting etc.

Farm Managers Example Titles

• Agricultural Consultant
• Agriculturist
• Agrologist
• Agronomist
• Crop Specialist
• Farm Management Consultant
• Farmer

Farm Managers Related Occupations

• Aquaculture Farmer
• Crop Farmer
• Livestock Farmer

Agriculture Related Industries

• Biotech / Biology