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Farmer/Farm Manager

Also known as Crop Farmer, Farm Overseer and Livestock Farmer.

Farmers and farm managers undertake farming operations to raise livestock and cultivate crops, fruit, vegetables and other agricultural products.

A farmer is a self-employed person who farms their own land or a leasehold property rented from a landowner.

A farm manager is an employee who is paid a salary to manage a farm or group of farms.

Farmers and farm managers may specialise in enterprises such as cropping or horticulture.

Others work with animals such as beef or dairy cattle, sheep, pigs or poultry.

Many farmers and farm managers conduct mixed farming operations.

Farmers may work on large or small enterprises, or they may need to travel

They spend much of their time working outdoors.

TASKS

Farmers and farm managers may perform the following tasks:

decide or advise on the kind of crops to be grown, the area to be sown or planted and the livestock to be raised
plan the type of farming activities to be undertaken, estimate operating costs and order supplies such as seed, fertiliser, livestock fodder and farm equipment
recruit and coordinate farm workers and direct them on crop growing and livestock raising
plant, spray, fertilise, harvest and sell crops
handle, load and transport livestock for showing, slaughter or sale
clean and maintain buildings, sheds, pens, equipment and facilities to maintain health standards and high-quality of produce
monitor animal health and seek veterinary advice when necessary
ensure there is adequate food supply, water and protection from the weather for livestock
ensure temperature, ventilation and lighting conditions are comfortable for livestock kept indoors
observe and record produce quality or livestock body weight and condition, adjusting management or feeding programmes if required
manage the strategic direction of the business
manage the financial aspects of the business by controlling income and expenses
plan activities to minimise environmental degradation, monitor environmental effects of farming activities and repair existing damage through programmes such as tree planting

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good at planning
able to analyse and solve problems
good organisational and supervisory skills
good communication skills
responsible approach and attitude
enjoy working outdoors in all kinds of weather
able to work both in a team and with limited social contact
able to handle animals with confidence and patience
mechanical aptitude
aptitude for working with computers
able to work independently

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Permaculturalist - cultivates plants and crops through the use of sustainable practices and renewable resources to minimise the impact upon local ecosystems while maximising natural productivity.

Production Horticulturist - is involved in the cultivation and maintenance of such produce as berries, nuts, fruit, vegetables and other crops. These products can be exported as either fresh or dried produce. Production horticulturists are involved in all of the associated production processes.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a farmer or farm manager without formal qualifications, although skills in farm management, crop management and/or animal husbandry are considered essential. You may learn these skills from an experienced farmer or farm manager on a working farm or formally at an educational institution such as a TAFE, university or an agricultural college. Courses may focus on specific areas of agriculture or all aspects of farm management.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in agriculture, agribusiness or rural operations. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a farmer or farm manager through a traineeship in Agriculture, Agribusiness or Rural Operations.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Alternatively, you can become a farmer or farm manager by completing a degree in agriculture, agribusiness, animal science, agricultural science or rural science. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, physics and chemistry are normally required. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview and have basic farm skills.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Traditionally, farms in Australia have been owner operated and farmers have been self-employed. Such properties have often been owned by the one family over many decades.

As product markets have changed and new technologies have been introduced, many properties have merged into bigger farms, often run by employed farm managers. For all farmers and farm managers, the business of running a farm has become more complex and sophisticated.