Apprenticeship Farm Manager Jobs

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As a farm manager you will either work with animal production, crop or dairy production (thought there is chance you could work with all three). Your job will be to implement strategies for maximum yield, to take responsibility of admin work, work with specialised machinery and manage any staff.

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FAQs

FAQs

What does a Farm manager do?

Day-to-day responsibilities for a farm manager are quite varied and can include:

Calculate a breakeven point in order to maintain farming production
Plan finances to ensure that you are cooperating with the budget
Do practical activities (e.g. drive tractors, feed livestock, operate machinery)
Advertise the farm's products
Check stock and order supplies when necessary. (e.g. fertiliser and seeds)
Run regular maintenance checks on farm buildings, machinery and equipment
Organise training for new staff members
Maintain and monitor the quality of yield
Stay on top of weather forecasts and make contingency plans when necessary
Ensure that products are ready for deadlines
Review the current government legislation to ensure that your farming activities are compliant
Monitor animal health and welfare
Maintain an understanding of pests and diseases. (e.g. what starts them and how to treat them)
Apply health and safety regulations across the estate
Aim to and maintain biodiversity on the farm
Stay on top of financial records

Skills & interests required for a Farm manager

Farm manager need to be knowledge of food production. (e.g. awareness of the market, food standards and sustainability). They will also need to manage a varied workforce and deal with budgetary and commercial pressures. Often they will need to liaise with the landlord on issues including investment in machinery. If dealing in livestock they will also need to know animal physiology and biology, particularly concerning infectious diseases.

What hours does a Farm manager typically do?

This is a very hands-on job where you will be on call day and night. The work pattern is seasonally influenced, often with 16+ hour days at peak times (for instance, harvesting and lambing season).

What environment is a Farm manager based in?

A farm; you can expect a lot of outdoor work, as well indoor administrative work.

How much does a Farm manager travel?

Travel during the working day may be necessary, but it is not likely to be every day. Additionally, where farming companies and growers have interests abroad then there may be opportunities to work abroad.

How much does a Farm manager get paid?

Starting out as an assistant farm manager or a trainee may expect to start on salaries of £20,000 to £22,000 per annum . Once you have finished your training, salaries can range from £23,000 to £35,000.

With a large amount of experience (more than ten to fifteen years) that you can expect to earn £50,000. If you then move on to a more advisory role, then pay may reach £70,000.

Perks & benefits

Often farm managers will be offered the following benefits:

Private health insurance
Pension scheme
The option to work at home on a regular basis
A vehicle
A company phone
Performance bonus

What qualifications does a Farm manager need?

Experience is likely to be of a greater value to employers than qualifications when it comes to this field. There are apprenticeship schemes available in the sector, although these can be hard to find as they are run by individual farming organisations.