FARM OPERATIONS MANAGER - LIVESTOCK
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 farm. 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?
The Farm Operations Manager will evaluate, plan, organize, and manage all farming, harvesting and Livestock operations. The Farm Operations Manager will provide leadership and coordination of general farming administration, accounting, budgeting, and planning of our continued development and eventual farming and harvesting.
Farming operations means cultivating, planting, harvesting, and similar operations routine to most farms and that are performed on a farm. Farming operations do not include installation of drainage tile, underground irrigation lines, or the drilling of a well.
We are committed to growing sustainable, high-quality crops and animals through innovative technologies, meticulous work, resiliency, and the true passion of a sustainable food growing operation.
Create financial budgets, in cooperation with office staff, and have working knowledge of budgetary aspects of the overall operation. Compile annual crop summary reports which include yields, financials, challenges, successes and identify ways in which the farm and its operation need to evolve in future years. This shall be communicated to the President and Controller
Coordinate field activity with office staff for accurate record keeping purposes. Oversee all aspects of irrigation, including timeliness, effectiveness, managing allocations and ensuring all irrigation systems and equipment are run effectively. Supervise all aspects of equipment maintenance and operation.
Fundamental first aid skills, or willingness to accept training. Working conditions: Working in office and outdoor conditions. Working heavy equipment and machinery. Outside of regular working hours are required.
Primary responsibilities will be to maximize the quality and yield of the various farm crops, while minimizing the cost of inputs. Included is supervision of all farming operations & farm staff, livestock health, crop production, processing plant operations and staff, and participation in senior management decision making for the company.
Work With Farm Ops Leader and supervise the overall operations of a farm. Span of direct reports is between 5 up to 20 team members.
Coordinate schedules and decide on the work activities of employees and apprentices.
Organize and coordinate planting, cultivating and crop harvesting activities.
Assist in hiring and managing farm personnel along with the Farm Ops Manager
Assess problems and recommend solutions for the farm.
Understand business processes, like using accounting 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 production records.
Track and document farm practices of the operation
Work with Farm Ops Manager 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.
What education and training are required?
Typically, extensive farming experience obtained from working on a specialized crop or with livestock is usually required.
Specifically, 7 – 10 years of direct farm operations experience, supervising leaders and work groups of 10 or more associates in livestock or crop management.
However, an associate or bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agricultural business, animal science, plant science, or a related field may be required.
To pursue a career as a 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.