Career guide

Agricultural production manager: career guide and training

As an agricultural production manager, you plan and control the production of a farming or horticultural business.

What will you do?

You are responsible for quality and you manage one or more production units. The role is also known as crop production manager, nursery manager or farm supervisor. You draw up the production planning, optimise processes and facilitate the sustainable transition of the business.

  • Draw up the production planning
  • Optimise production processes and facilitate the sustainable transition
  • Coordinate the team and divide the work
  • Negotiate contracts and select suppliers and subcontractors
  • Check compliance with prevention measures (QHSE)
  • Supervise the development and maintenance of the infrastructure
  • Carry out the administrative management

Skills to develop

  • Experience in agricultural or horticultural production
  • Able to lead and motivate a team
  • Planning and organising across one or more production units
  • Knowledge of quality and prevention rules (QHSE)
  • Commercial insight for negotiations with suppliers

Your foundation for this occupation

Connect crop knowledge with costs, staffing and production planning. Plans must account for seasons and biological variation.

From preparation to your first day

  1. Develop the practical skills

    Practise allocating work and recording yield, consumption and labour.

  2. Check your work

    Compare actuals with plans and investigate losses or quality differences.

How can you grow?

Progress towards farm management, multiple sites or crop consultancy.

Frequently asked questions

How should I respond to a delayed harvest?

Consider maturity, weather, staffing and sales together. Communicate revised sequencing to harvesting, transport and buyers.

Sources and training

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