JOB DESCRIPTION

Guide and assist farmers in maximizing the financial returns to their land by managing day-to-day activities. Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural workers. May work in smaller establishments performing both supervisory and management functions, including the areas of accounting, marketing, and personnel.

SKILLS AND APTITUDES NEEDED

Managerial skills to organize and operate a business Competent with computers Basic knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping Knowledge of credit sources for buying seed, fertilizer, and other inputs necessary for planting Familiar with safety regulations and requirements of governmental agricultural support programs Mechanical aptitude for use of tools, equipment Knowledge of relationships between farm operations such as use of pesticides balanced with environmental conditions

When managing a small crop farm for an absentee owner, a farm manager may assume responsibility for all functions, from selecting the crops to participating in planting and harvesting. Alternately, the owner of a large farm may employ a farm manager to oversee a single activity. Farm management firms and corporations involved in agriculture employ highly trained professional farm managers who may oversee tenant operators of several farms. In these cases, farm managers may establish output goals; determine financial constraints; monitor production and marketing; hire, assign, and supervise workers; determine crop transportation and storage requirements; and oversee maintenance of the property and equipment. Farm managers overseeing several farms may divide their time between traveling to meet farmers and landowners, and planning the farm operations in their offices.