Farm Managers run their own agriculture business or are employed by other people to run a farm efficiently and profitably.
The day-to-day work of a Farm Manager may include:
- Planning - setting production targets, recruiting, managing and mentoring staff, buying materials needed for the farm, such as animal feed seed, fertilisers, and maintaining health and safety on the farm
- Record keeping - managing the farm's budget, cash flow and communicating with organisations that make payments to farmers that comply with strict environmental and production standards
- Legislation - ensuring the farm is operating within the legal guidelines
- Environmental considerations - managing the environmental impact of their farm on the local area. This can range from ensuring rivers are not polluted by farm products to protecting soils and certain features in the countryside e.g. trees and hedges, particularly if the farm is situated in a site of special scientific interest
- Continually monitoring the quality and performance of their produce
- Monitoring the health and welfare of their animals
- Marketing and selling produce - negotiating with buyers such as supermarket chains, food processors or local supply chains
- Practical work - on smaller farms, Farm Managers may be involved with general tasks such as feeding livestock, driving tractors and operating and repairing machinery
- Many farmers have diversified their activities to supplement their income, for example by running a bed and breakfast or a farm shop.
Farm Managers work closely with the Farm Owner and possibly other Farm Managers and Farm Management Consultants.
Working Conditions
Most Farm Managers are contracted to work standard full-time hours. However, in practice many Farm Managers work longer hours. The nature of the job means that farmers may be on call day and night, seven days a week, especially where livestock are concerned and during busy periods.
Practical work on the farm is mainly outdoors in all weather conditions although some of the work may be indoors. Farm Managers also spend time in an office dealing with paperwork.
On a smaller farm, the Manager will get involved in many of the farming tasks, while on a larger farm the Manager is likely to spend more time running the business.
A driving licence is usually essential.
Salary
Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.
£30,000
£50,000
Getting started
Relevant qualifications
It helps to be interested in:
- Science, in order to understand the production systems and the livestock
- Caring for the environment
- Business management.
The normal route into this career is to start work as an Assistant Manager or as the Manager of a single production unit. Some practical work experience is necessary prior to this stage. Many farms are focused on a single element/activity of farming; therefore it may be necessary to move from one type of farm to another to gain a breadth of experience.
Most Farm Managers hold at least a degree or HND in agriculture, or a related subject and usually have several years’ practical experience.
A range of organisations employ Farm Managers, including:
- Large estates
- Agricultural colleges
- Scientific research institutes
- Government bodies
- Large food producing companies
- Smaller farms
- Fresh produce companies.
What experienced workers can do
- Obtain contracts to supply products/services
- Plan and agree the management of livestock and cropping systems
- Plan and manage the health and welfare of livestock
- Produce a business plan
- Manage a budget
- Develop and implement plans for the disposal of waste
- Plan and implement breeding programmes.
Personal qualities you should have
- Problem-Solving
- Work in a team
- Work on your own
- Flexible.
Next steps
Large farms offer promotion possibilities and there may be opportunities to specialise. Experienced Farm Managers may move into other work, such as technical sales, consultancy and teaching, or work as an agricultural adviser.
Some successful Farm Managers may be responsible for overseeing the work of several farms, all specialising in different aspects of farming.
It may also be possible to work with private companies, consultancies, co-operatives and on contract with supermarkets that offer farm management services.
There may be opportunities to work abroad.
Industry links
British Institute of Agricultural Consultants
National Farmers Union Scotland
Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service