Farm Manager

Farm managers run their own business or are employed by another person to run a farm efficiently and profitably.

Farming varies enormously depending on the local climate, soil and accessibility of markets for selling the farm produce. A farm manager’s daily work depends on the type of farm they are managing. There are three main categories of farming:

• Livestock – raising animals such as cattle (both beef and dairy), sheep (for meat and occasionally wool), pigs and poultry. Nowadays, other animals are farmed such as deer, llama and ostrich. Farm managers also arrange the humane transportation of livestock to market or to abattoirs for slaughter.
• Arable – growing crops for human and animal consumption, such as cereals (wheat, barley, maize and oats), potatoes, sugar beet, fruit and vegetables, as well as non-food crops for the energy and pharmaceutical industries. Farm managers may also deal with harvesting, storing and processing crops, which may involve using mechanised and computer-controlled equipment.
• Mixed – combining livestock and arable farming.

Some farmers practice ‘Precision Farming’ requiring the use of new technologies, such as global positioning (GPS), sensors, satellites or aerial images, and information management tools to assess and understand variations. The information gathered may used to evaluate optimum seed sowing density, estimate fertilisers and other input needs, and to more accurately predict crop yields.

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, and maintaining health and safety on the farm.
• Record keeping – managing the farm’s budget and cash flow, and communicating with organisations that make payments to farmers who are committed to strict environmental and production standards.
• Legislation – ensuring the farm is operating within the legal guidelines set by bodies such as the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, the European Union (EU) and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
• Environmental considerations – managing the environmental impact of their farm on the local area. This can range from ensuring rivers are free of pollution from farm products to protecting soils and features in the countryside.
• 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.
• Diversification: many farmers have extended 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.

Hours and environment

Most farm managers are contracted to work 39 hours a week. 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. There are often no set hours and certain times of the year are particularly busy. Early morning starts are typical. The hours worked are often influenced by the season, such as harvest time or the lambing season. Days worked during these seasons can be typically long.

Practical work on the farm is mainly outdoors, in all weather conditions. Some of the work involving pigs, poultry or other livestock may be indoors. The work involves lifting, carrying, bending and standing. Working with livestock involves handling the animals and is likely to be dirty. Work on an arable farm is likely to be dusty.

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 most of their time in a farm office.

A driving licence is essential.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

• ·Starting salaries for farm managers are at least €23,000 a year.
• With experience, farm managers may earn between €26,000 and €35,000.
• The manager of a large farm with over ten years’ experience may earn over €50,000 a year.

Some farm managers may be provided with rent-free accommodation and a vehicle. There may also be other benefits such as free farm produce .

Skills and personal qualities

A farm manager needs:

• total, genuine commitment to farming
• time management and organisational skills
• business management and marketing skills
• an understanding of health and safety issues
• an understanding of animal health and welfare
• awareness of consumer needs and food quality issues
• to understand how farming can impact on the environment
• fitness and energy to cope with the physical demands of the job
• the ability to negotiate with buyers
• to be good with figures for budgeting and keeping financial records
• good information and communication technology skills (ICT)
• to be able to organise and motivate staff.

Interests

It helps to be interested in:

• science, in order to understand the production systems, the livestock and the needs of specific crops
• caring for the environment
• business management.