 |
On The Land, In The Office
The role of a farmer or farm manager involves both carrying out the actual work of growing crops or producing livestock in addition to any associated office and administrative duties.
Farmers are usually landowners and whilst the opportunity of owning vast tracts of land is not available to everyone, many people have developed intensive production systems on quite small blocks, which are within reach of many people after a period of time in the industry.
Farm managers are generally responsible for the running of an entire enterprise or specific sections such as a piggery or cropping program. Their duties are typically extensive and varied.
Some of a farmer's or farm manager's tasks might include rotating livestock in paddocks, removing the tails of lambs, mustering, drenching, dipping and shearing sheep. You are also likely to be preparing animal food, controlling pests and weeds, repairing farm buildings, yards and property as well as maintaining financial and farming records.
Farmers and farm managers also manage pasture and stock breeding programs, buy and sell stock, machinery and farming materials, and hire and supervise other farm staff.
You will need to be adaptable and versatile, as you will be expected to carry out practical farm skills as well as maintain financial records and develop comprehensive short and long term property management strategies.
Organisational skills and the ability to plan ahead are also important, as farmers and farm managers have to apply different strategies to protect themselves from unpredictable changes in the market for agricultural products. Such strategies might include carefully planning the combination of crops grown, so that if the price of one crop drops, sufficient income can be yielded from other crops. In some cases, livestock can be kept, and crops stored, in order to take advantage of better prices at a later time.
Farmers and farm managers need to possess a wide range of skills from the practical ability needed to weld, repair and operate a range of equipment and tending to livestock needs, to the management skills or organising resources, budgeting and marketing produce. It is not an easy job, but definitely a rewarding one according to those in the industry.
Computing skills are also desirable, as many farmers and managers now use computers to keep records and to manage farm operations such as breeding.
Much of the work a farmer or farm manager does is outdoors, and they are often exposed to harsh climatic conditions. A farmer's working day starts early in the morning and it's fairly usual to work during the weekends. Hours vary, and you can be working for as many as 18 hours a day during the busy months. The work can also be hazardous, and carries a risk of injury from machinery. For this reason, an awareness of farm safety practices is important, and it is essential to be always alert on the job.
Benefits Of A Remote Lifestyle
''As a farmer or farm manager, you will have the opportunity to work in regional Western Australia from the Kimberley to Esperance. Whilst a remote lifestyle may not suit everyone, there are real advantages to country living. It is a much freer and informal way of life and whilst there are really busy periods, the pace of everyday life is somewhat slower and more relaxing,'' says the WA Primary and Industries Training Council's Project Officer, Don Chantler.
There are currently a number of changes taking place in the farming sector, and because of these, the ability to adapt is critical. To use a farming metaphor, changes in technology and competition will separate the wheat from the chaff and while employment prospects will be good for those farmers and farm managers who can keep up with the changes, for those who cannot, opportunities will be more limited.
The earnings of a farmer or farm manager are extremely variable and depend upon the type of farm, level of experience and responsibilities and, perhaps most importantly, the farm's productivity.
Starting salaries for farm managers range from around $17,000 to $40,000 per year, while more experienced (and typically older) farm managers and farmers sometimes earn up to $80,000, or more. There may also be other benefits such as free housing, food products, and the use of a vehicle.
|
