An Assistant Farm Manager reports to the Farm Manager and is responsible for helping manage the business, with responsibility for health, welfare, and performance.
The Assistant Farm Manager works with the Unit Manager in:
- Planning and setting production targets, and budgets
- Monitoring the quality of their produce and performance of the sections
- Purchasing materials needed for the farm, like feed and seed
- Record keeping
- Ensuring the farm operates within legal guidelines
- Ensuring farm waste is managed correctly
- On smaller farms, may be involved with general tasks such as feeding livestock, driving tractors and operating and repairing machinery.
Working Conditions
Assistant Farm Managers generally work as least 39 hours per week but it may be necessary to work paid overtime during busy periods. Early mornings, evenings and weekend work can be necessary especially at busy times of the year.
Assistant Farm Managers may be required to cover for their Farm Manager, Unit Manager if necessary, or other staff on the farm.
The working conditions will depend on the farm. Some farms have a mixture of both livestock and crops depending on their soil conditions, farm location and local markets.
Salary
Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.
£20,000
£25,000
Getting started
Artificial insemination technicians will need experience of working with livestock and have suitable training and qualifications to be able to offer advice and support on breeding.
What employers are looking for
- Enjoys working with animals and crops
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
What experienced workers can do
- Plan the transportation of livestock
- Promote and maintain the health and well-being of livestock
- Plan and agree the management of cropping systems
- Plan and monitor the production of crops
- Monitor and maintain the selection of livestock
- Implement and maintain hygiene and bio-security arrangements
- Allocate and check work in your team
Personal qualities you should have
- Work on own initiative
- Work in a team/with others
- Self-motivated
- Flexible
- Able to solve problems.
Next steps
With the right qualifications and further experience in other farm businesses and enterprises, an Assistant Farm Manager could gain promotion to a Farm Manager, with ultimate responsibility for the Farm.
Industry links
British Institute of Agricultural Consultants
National Farmers Union Scotland
Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service