Careers in food and fibre

Page last updated: Tuesday, 12 September 2017 - 2:14pm

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Manage it

Bank manager

Agriculture is a huge, global industry that depends on people with good management skills to make sure everything runs smoothly.

From leading multinational businesses, to being hands-on and in charge of a farm business, there are plenty of management careers in agriculture.

What sort of things will I do in a ’Manage It’ career?

A career in agricultural management doesn’t mean only working from an office. Careers range from agricultural economists who look at the big picture to lead farm hands who manage farm jobs daily.

Whatever your preference, agricultural management will give you the chance to put your people and leadership skills to good use.

Let’s take a closer look at some agricultural management careers.

Agricultural economist

Agricultural economists study and predict trends and changes in agricultural markets and provide advice on economic issues.

Some of the day to day tasks of an agricultural economist include:

• studying economic reports to stay up to date with economic issues
• conducting economic studies of livestock production, forestry, field crops, wool, cotton, fruit and winemaking
• undertaking research into factors that affect farm costs and market returns
• advising on the appropriate management of natural resources
• presenting research findings at seminars and conferences, as well as writing reports.

To become an agricultural economist you must usually complete a university degree in Commerce, Agribusiness or Agricultural Science. To get into these university courses you’ll need to complete year 12 ATAR pathway.

For more information about this career see  Career Harvest - agricultural economist

Logistics manager

A logistics manager oversees the supply of goods and services from the point of origin to its final destination in the fastest, safest and cheapest way possible.

A logistics manager in the agricultural industry manages logistics within the supply chain which could include the transport of grain, livestock, produce and farm equipment and machinery.

Some of the day to day tasks of a logistics manager include:

• developing and managing long and short term logistics strategies for product
• making sure that effective administrative processes for freight and storage are established and implemented
• leading, managing and developing staff within the logistics team
• negotiating costs of freight and storage contracts with customers and suppliers.

To become a logistics manager you usually need to complete a traineeship in Logistics or Transport and Logistics.

You may improve your chances of getting a job by completing a Bachelor degree in Business, Agriculture or Logistics Management. For these university courses you’ll need to complete year 12 ATAR pathway.

For more information see Career Harvest - logistics manager

Farm manager

A farm manager is in charge of all cropping and/or livestock activities on a farm. Farm managers may own the farm or be employed by the farm owner.

Depending on the type of farm, some of the day to day tasks of a farm manager include:

• planning farming activities
• supervising other farm employees
• planting, spraying, harvesting and selling crops
• handling all aspects of livestock production
• recording all details about the farm operation
• planning the strategic direction of the farm.

You can become a farm manager without formal qualifications but training in farm management, crop management and/or animal husbandry are usually required.

You can get these skills by training with an experienced farm manager or by a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification in Agriculture, Agribusiness or Rural Operations through training institutes or agricultural colleges.

You can also complete a Bachelor degree in Agriculture or Agribusiness. For these university courses you’ll need to complete year 12 ATAR pathway.

For more information see Career Harvest - farm manager


Where can I get more information?
If you’re interested in a career in management and agriculture you can find out more at the websites listed under 'External Links' on this page.