Farm manager Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

Farm managers run their own businesses or are employed by owners or tenants to run a farm efficiently and profitably. They may run a whole farm or just part of it, such as an arable (crops) unit.

As a farm manager, you could work on one of three main types of farm - livestock (animals), arable (crops) or mixed (animals and crops). Your work would depend partly on the type of farm, but could include:

• planning the running of the farm
• setting budget and production targets
• buying and selling animals or produce
• keeping financial records and records of livestock and/or crops
• recruiting, training and supervising staff.

On smaller farms, you may do practical farm work, such as looking after livestock, driving tractors and other machinery, and harvesting crops. You could also have responsibility for other activities, for example the farm may have a farm shop, horse riding facilities or provide accommodation for tourists. Farm managers work closely with the farm owner and often farm management consultants.

Hours

Your working hours would vary depending on the time of year. At busy times you are likely to work long hours, with early morning, evening and weekend work.

You will usually be office-based, but will also spend time outside around the farm in all weather conditions. If you are involved in practical farm work, this will often be physically demanding.

Income

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

Minimum wage scales for agricultural work are set each year by the Agricultural Wages Boards for England and Wales. Individual employers may pay more according to the manager's skill and experience.

• Starting salaries for farm managers are at least £20,000 a year
• With experience, farm managers may earn between £26,000 and £30,000.
• The manager of a large farm with over ten years' experience may earn over £50,000 a year.

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

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You will need comprehensive practical farming experience, and will probably start as a supervisor, assistant manager or the manager of a unit, such as dairy or arable.

Most farm managers have a qualification in agriculture. You can do courses at universities and agricultural colleges throughout the UK.

You may be able to get started through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers.

• Apprenticeships in agriculture, horticulture and animal care

Relevant qualifications include:

Entry to a degree course requires at least two A-level grades, normally including chemistry and maths, or another science subject. Alternative equivalent qualifications may be accepted.

To search for foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see the UCAS website. You should check with colleges and universities for entry requirements.

• UCAS
• Landex

You will need a driving licence for most jobs.

Training and development

Once you are working as a farm manager, you could develop your career by studying part-time for qualifications such as:

• foundation degrees in subjects like agriculture and agricultural management
• degrees in agricultural subjects
• postgraduate courses in agricultural subjects.

You could also work towards a Level 4 Diploma in Agricultural Business Management.

You would need to keep up to date with the latest developments in agriculture. Farm managers may attend short courses at agricultural colleges or study by distance learning to increase or update their skills. There are also many farm walks and seminars that take place to address seasonal farming issues.

Skills and knowledge

• business management skills
• the ability to organise and motivate staff
• the ability to find and develop new activities to keep the farm profitable
• budgeting and financial record-keeping skills
• computer skills
• good communication skills
• knowledge of legislative, regulatory relevant to farms and farm assurance compliance
• the ability to work under pressure

More information

Lantra
Lantra House
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
www.lantra.co.uk

City & Guilds
1 Giltspur Street
London
EC1A 9DD
Tel: 0844 543 0000
www.cityandguilds.com

Opportunities

You could find work with farm owners and tenants, commercial organisations, universities and research institutions.

You may need to change jobs to gain wider experience and promotion. With experience, you may be able to move into other areas, such as agricultural advisory work for government bodies, consultancy or teaching.

You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading (link open in new window):

• Farmers Weekly
• Farmers Guardian

Related industry information

Industry summary

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Other sectors and industries relevant to this job

• Agricultural livestock