FARM OPERATIONS LEADER - CROPS
Overview
The Farm Operations Leader will report to the Farm Operations Manager – Livestock. A farm operations leader is responsible for assisting in planning, organizing, directing, controlling and evaluating the operations and functions of farms. They will grow crops, raise and breed livestock and market farm products. The Farm Operations Leader will also perform administrative functions like preparing budgets, purchasing supplies, and maintaining relationships with vendors and clients in the absence of the Farm Operations Manager.
What responsibilities will I have?
Work With Farm Ops Manager and supervise the overall operations of a farm.
Coordinate schedules and decide on the work activities of employees and apprentices. Be hands-on with farm hands to make sure they understand the job task.
Organize and coordinate planting, cultivating and crop harvesting activities.
Assist in hiring and managing farm personnel along with the Farm Operations Manager
Assess problems and recommend solutions for the farm.
Understand business processes, like using accounting and inventory software.
Determine the amount and kinds of crops to be grown and livestock to be raised.
Develop and build relationships with vendors and suppliers.
Monitor the quality and quantity of crops and maintain animal health.
Develop and maintain financial crop production records.
Track and document farm (SOP’s) practices of the operation
Work with Farm Operations Manager to make business justifications to purchase farm machinery, livestock, seed, feed and other supplies.
Ensure that farming operations for crops and livestock are sustainable.
Be responsible for employee compliance with health and safety regulations.
Monitor and recommend the regular maintenance and repair of facility equipment.
Perform farming duties when required.
Inventory and rotation management of Produce and organics that are put into cold storage sold to the Farmer’s Market.
Direct crop operations such as planning, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, and harvesting. · Monitor activities such as irrigation, chemical applications and harvesting to ensure adherence to safety regulations and industry/company standards.
Participates in key decision making for the company related to farming and seed cleaning operation.
Assist with field and shop work as needed.
Operate standard farm equipment including tractor, sprayer, truck, swather, combine, forklift, ATV, and RTV.
Maintain paper and/or electronic files for crops and seed plants.
Adhere to and follows all safety procedures in accordance with training and report any dangerous conditions to management immediately.
Span of Control:
Leader/ Supervisor = 4-7 team members Manager = 8-15 team members
What education and training is required?
Typically, extensive farming experience obtained from working on a specialized crop or with livestock is usually required. However, an associate or bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agricultural business, animal science, plant science, or a related field may be required.
Qualification: Farm Operations Leader - Crops:
The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, plant science, agricultural mechanics, animal science, biology, earth science, business, mathematics and personal finance.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations
National Farmers Organization
Young Farmers and Ranchers Organization
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
Associations specific to the crop grown or type of livestock raised.