A farm manager oversees the day-to-day running of a farm. This includes planning and organising production, managing staff, monitoring livestock or crops, and ensuring that all legal and safety regulations are followed. Farm managers are responsible for budgeting, purchasing supplies, and selling produce or livestock. They also use technology to monitor yields and improve efficiency. This role requires strong leadership skills, practical knowledge of farming, and an understanding of business management. Farm managers can work on arable farms (growing crops), livestock farms (raising animals), or mixed farms. The job can be demanding and often involves working outdoors in all weather conditions.
Farm managers in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on the size and type of farm.
There are around 10,000 farm manager positions across the UK, with opportunities in both arable and livestock farming.
Farm managers often work more than 40 hours per week, including weekends and early mornings, especially during busy seasons like planting and harvest.
Oversees the daily operations of a dairy farm, including managing livestock, ensuring milk quality, and supervising farm workers.
Manages farms that focus on growing crops such as wheat, barley, and oilseed rape, handling planting, harvesting, and machinery maintenance.
Runs farms that produce crops and livestock using organic methods, ensuring compliance with organic regulations and promoting sustainable practices.
Obtain at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including Maths, English, and Science.
GCSEs are essential for progressing to further study or apprenticeships in agriculture. Science, particularly Biology, is helpful for understanding plant and animal health. Mathematics will assist with budgeting and farm business calculations.
Take A-levels or a Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture or a related field.
A-levels in Biology, Geography, or Business Studies are useful. Alternatively, a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Agriculture or Land-based Studies provides practical and theoretical knowledge needed for farm management.
Work on a farm or take part in a farming apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience.
Practical farm work helps you learn about crop cycles, machinery, animal care, and daily operations. Many colleges and universities offer placements as part of their course. An apprenticeship combines paid work with study and is a great entry point.
Consider a degree or higher national diploma in agriculture, farm business management, or a similar subject.
Degrees in Agriculture, Agribusiness, or Farm Management are valued by employers and can be studied at universities such as Harper Adams or Royal Agricultural University. Courses often include business management, marketing, and technical farming knowledge.
Progress to roles such as Assistant Farm Manager or Team Leader to develop leadership skills.
As you gain experience, seek out opportunities to supervise staff, organise work rotas, and manage specific areas of the farm. This will prepare you for the wider responsibilities of a Farm Manager.
Join professional bodies and attend agricultural shows or conferences.
Membership of organisations like the National Farmers' Union (NFU) keeps you informed of industry changes. Networking with other farm professionals can lead to job opportunities and partnerships.
Seek out Farm Manager vacancies or consider running your own farm.
Once you have the right mix of experience, education, and management skills, you can apply for Farm Manager roles or, if you have the resources, take over the running of a family farm or start your own farming business.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Farm Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Farm Manager and a Nursery Manager both oversee the daily operations of agricultural or horticultural environments, manage staff, and ensure the quality and productivity of their respective settings. Both roles require practical farming or plant management skills, organisational abilities, and responsibility for overseeing the wellbeing of the venture’s resources.
You can get into this job through:
You can do a foundation degree or degree in child development or a related subject, such as:
Some nurseries may prefer you to have early years teacher status (EYTS).
You'll usually need:
You could start by doing a Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce.
You can also take other childcare qualifications but they must be at least level 3 if you want to become a manager.
You'll usually need:
You could do an Early Years Educator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship or an Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
These can take from 18 to 24 months to complete.
You'll usually need:
You could start as a nursery worker. With further training, for example, the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner, you could apply for management jobs.
You'll usually need at least 2 years' work experience with children in a nursery to apply to become a manager.
You can get more advice about working in childcare from Early Years Careers and the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.
You can contact Early Years Careers by phone or email to get answers to questions about starting a career in early years education.
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