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 cooperatives to grow and harvest crops, and breed and raise livestock.
Tasks include –
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 (e.g. 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.
