Farm Manager Apprentice

The farm manager will develop, manage, and monitor farm systems (e.g. health& safety, produce quality control, food assurance and traceability, environmental management, herd and plant health/bio-security, farm software systems, and farm administration). They will manage farm personnel and lead team outcomes.

The farm manager working on a home farm or as an employed manager will be able to:

Manage and lead farm business activities and operations.Lead a team, allocate and manage resources.Evaluate and apply key technical concepts and research findings for areas such as soil management, grass/crop production, animal and crop nutrition, breeding and reproductive management, and herd and crop

Health Management.

Produce safe quality food.Analyse and solve problems associated with managing a farming business.Manage, monitor and report on farm finances.Plan and evaluate farm business performance.Analyse options and opportunities.Develop, implement and review farm and business goals.Select and operate software systems for farm administration, financial management, and human resources.Negotiate relevant contracts with processors and suppliers.

Knowledge

1. Analyse information and solve problems.

2. Interpret and implement research findings.

3. Understand farm metrics

4. Analyse financial records and determine the costs of production.

5. Generate budgets and manage cash flow.

6. Manage staff and contractors.

7. Devise work routines, delegate tasks, and plan labour efficiencies.

8. Allocate farm resources.

9. Set goals and appraise capital investments.

10. Knowledge of food safety and quality.

11. Comply with safety, health, welfare, and environmental legislation.

12. Knowledge of wider industry, market demands

13. Apply the latest knowledge relating to areas such as animal husbandry, crop husbandry, and soil management.

Skills

2. Develop and implement a health and biosecurity plan.

3. Select and utilise recording systems and financial tools.

4. Plan effective use of farm resources.

5. Interpret key financial farm reports.

6. Access, evaluate and use knowledge and information.

7. Determine farm infrastructure and facility requirements.

8. Negotiate and communicate effectively.

9. Manage farm safety and control hazards.

10. Produce food safely to recognised standards

11. Plan and set goals.

12. Lead, motivate and work in a team.

13. Schedule work and supervise farm staff.

14. Oversee compliance with regulatory requirements.

15. Manage a farm.

Competences

1. Work autonomously and lead a team

2. Set farm and personal goals.

3. Determine key performance indicators for a farm business.

4. Use reports, data and budgets to implement a farm plan

5. Prioritise and set operational farm goals.

6. Plan and implement work programmes and delegate responsibilities.

7. Apply a problem-solving approach to farm operations and farm management.

8. Manage farm traceability, farm assurance processes, sustainability, and environmental compliance.

9. Manage farm safety, health, and welfare.

10. Manage professional development for self and co-workers.

11. Communicate effectively.

12. Lead a team.

Applicants must hold one of the following qualifications:

● Level 6 farm technician apprenticeship qualification

or

● QQI Level 6 Advance Certificate in Agriculture

or

● Level 6 Higher Certificate in Agriculture or a Level 7/8 higher education agricultural award.

or

● A qualification deemed equivalent on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications to any of the qualifications listed above