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#DitchTheDesk: What is Farm Management?

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Do you dream of breaking free from the ordinary and embracing a wilder side?

#DitchtheDesk presents the career opportunities that challenge the office 9-to-5!

Are you on the lookout for a role that combines sustainability, production and profit at the forefront of the supply chain? Maybe Farm Management is what you’re after!

What is Farm Management?

The position of Farm Manager comes with responsibilities that differ between each business. Depending on the type of farm, you may find yourself at the helm of animal or crop production, or perhaps a mix of the two. Either way, as a leader within the business, you will oversee the smooth running of day-to-day operations whilst also applying new ideas to guide the farm towards its goals, such as maximising yields and adopting novel technologies. As the Net Zero by 2050 carbon target draws ever-closer and the agri-environment policies within Defra’s ELM (Environmental Land Management) scheme comes into force, it is necessary to find the balance between profit and sustainability.

The Importance

  • Food supply: The world needs to produce 60% more food than current levels to feed the predicted 2050 population.
  • Environmental impact: Reducing the impacts that agricultural practices have on the soil, biodiversity and water.
  • Resources: Implementing assets, such as labour, land, fuel and fertiliser in order to promote productivity but also reduce wastage.
  • Finances: In an increasingly economically uncertain environment, it is important to balance short-term needs and long-term stability.
  • Product health: Improving yields may increase the risk of diseases.
  • Compliance: It is vital that the business maintains its legal integrity.
  • Markets: There’s no point in growing a product if you can’t sell it.

The Skills Required

  • Data analysis/ IT: Knowing how to manipulate software and data to assist with business management and make performance improvements is vital.
  • Communication: Ability to share your vision with the farm team.
  • Problem solving: Providing solutions when faced with an issue on the farm.
  • Leadership: Farm Manager is at the head of the business, setting the example in guiding and supporting the labour force.
  • Strategic planning: Balancing the business priorities.
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