What they do
A farm manager is an employee of a farmer who is paid to manage a farm or group of farms. Depending on the type of farm, farm managers may be required to perform a variety of tasks, including deciding on the crops and livestock, planning farming activities, supervising other employees, planting, spraying, harvesting and selling crops, handling all aspects of livestock production, recording all details (including financial) about the farm and planning the strategic direction of the farm.
Working conditions
A farm manager may have to work outside in all kinds of weather conditions and usually starts work early in the morning. They may also work long hours. They need to be safety conscious when working with agricultural machinery.
Tools and technologies
Farm managers need to be proficient with a wide range of farming machinery and hand tools. It is also an advantage if they have the ability to maintain or repair the machinery. Increasingly, farm managers need to be proficient with computers and may be required to use specialised farm management software.
How do I become one?
Education and training
It is possible to work as a farm manager without any formal qualifications, however, skills in farm management, crop production or animal husbandry are usually required. You may be able to gain these skills through work experience in a related role or by gaining a qualification in agriculture, agribusiness, animal science, crop and pasture science, or a related field.
The Diploma of Agriculture is offered at TAFE colleges throughout Western Australia. Browse courses through Jobs and Skills WA and search on the My Skills website to find a registered provider near you.
You can also study a degree majoring in agribusiness, agricultural science, animal science, or crop and pasture science.
Most universities in Western Australia offer relevant courses. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information.