General Agriculture - Job Description

Agricultural managers or farm managers are responsible for the daily planning, organisation, supervision and administration of activities on farm estates. Typical responsibilities include:

• forward planning
• making policy decisions
• budgeting and maintaining accurate financial records
• organising sales and purchases of livestock, farm equipment, crops and agricultural products
• handling paperwork and keeping administrative records
• recruiting, training/instructing and supervising farm workers
• making sure that work progresses satisfactorily
• ensuring compliance with government regulations and health and safety standards
• keeping an up-to-date knowledge of pests and diseases
• ensuring that the farm is profitable and meets projected financial targets
• organising maintenance/repair of farm property, equipment and machinery
• advertising and marketing farm products or the work of the farmer

Variations in workloads relate to seasonal demands – some unsociable hours may be necessary during busy periods (eg during harvesting or lambing) and managers will be expected to deal with emergencies.