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 cooperatives to grow and harvest crops, and breed and raise livestock. Tasks include - (a) monitoring agricultural and forestry market activity and planning production to meet contract requirements and market demand; (b) establishing and managing budgets, monitoring production output and costs, recording information such as farm management practices, and preparing financial and operational reports; (c) conferring with buyers to arrange for the sale of crops and livestock; (d) contracting with farmers or independent owners for production of crops and livestock, or for management of production; (e) planning the type, intensity and sequence of farm operations (e.g. determining the best times for planting, spraying and harvesting); (f) analysing soil to determine types and quantities of fertilizer required for maximum production; (g) purchasing machinery, equipment and supplies such as tractors, seed, fertilizer and chemicals; (h) identifying and controlling agricultural and forest environmental toxins, weeds, pests and diseases; (i) organizing farming operations such as maintaining buildings, water supply systems and equipment; (j) directing and coordinating activities such as planting, irrigation, chemical application, harvesting and grading; (k) inspecting plantations and fields to determine maturity dates of crops, or to estimate potential crop damage from weather; (l) overseeing the selection, training and performance of agricultural and forestry workers and contractors. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Forestry manager - Plantation manager - Ranch manager.