Agricultural and forestry production managers

Agricultural and forestry production managers plan, direct, and coordinate production in large scale agricultural, horticultural and forestry operations such as plantations, large ranches, collective farms and agricultural co-operatives to grow and harvest crops, and breed and raise livestock.

Duties and tasks

• Monitoring agricultural and forestry market activity and planning production to meet contract requirements and market demand
• Establishing and managing budgets, monitoring production output and costs, recording information such as farm management practices, and preparing financial and operational reports
• Conferring with buyers to arrange for the sale of crops and livestock
• Contracting with farmers or independent owners for production of crops and livestock, or for management of production
• Planning the type, intensity and sequence of farm operations (eg determining the best times for planting, spraying and harvesting)
• Analysing soil to determine types and quantities of fertilizer required for maximum production
• Purchasing machinery, equipment and supplies such as tractors, seed, fertilizer and chemicals
• Identifying and controlling agricultural and forest environmental toxins, weeds, pests and diseases
• Organizing farming operations such as maintaining buildings, water supply systems and equipment
• Directing and coordinating activities such as planting, irrigation, chemical application, harvesting and grading
• Inspecting plantations and fields to determine maturity dates of crops, or to estimate potential crop damage from weather
• Overseeing the selection, training and performance of agricultural and forestry workers and contractors