FARM MANAGER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Updated: Jun 13, 2025 - The Farm Manager demonstrates strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, adept at building relationships across all organizational levels and excelling in performance management and development. This role brings a wealth of knowledge from start-up operations and food production industries, ensuring compliance with food sanitation standards. The position is passionate about livestock farming, possessing a sharp commercial acumen essential for managing a successful farm.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Farm Manager Resume
- Crop Management
- Equipment Maintenance
- Agronomic Practices
- Budgeting
- Irrigation Systems
- Supply Chain Management
- Nursery Management
- Pest Monitoring
- Hydroponic Management
- Compliance
- Leadership
- Team Leadership
- Staff Management
- Industry Networking
- Safety Training
- Crew Supervision
- Brand Representation
- Team Development
- Continuous Improvement
- Regulatory Compliance


Summary of Farm Manager Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BS in Agricultural Science with 6 years of Experience
- Livestock/swine management and handling
- Standard maintenance procedures
- Basic understanding of how to operate computer hardware and software, including MS Office and Internet Explorer
- Ability to monitor and develop subordinates to ensure smooth operation of the farm
- Ability to use production records to facilitate improvements
- Ability to confront direct reports and hold people accountable
- Understand company vision and strategy
- Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of the profession.
- Basic technology skills and ability to learn/utilize company software programs.
- Ability to be a team player and build positive working relationships with others.
- Ability to assert ideas, solve problems, communicate issues and positive experiences.
2. BS in Animal Science with 5 years of Experience
- Experience with chemical and fertilizer programs helpful
- Computer-literate with management skills
- Ability to look at high-level system design
- Experience in vegetable/seed production, preferably in the open field and in greenhouses.
- Have scientific knowledge of agronomic inputs required for vegetable production.
- Excellent communication skills
- Knowledge of sustainable, organic or regenerative farming practices will be a benefit.
- Previous farm operations experience including crop planting, farm equipment management, maintenance scheduling, and basic agronomy
- Exceptional communication skills, verbal and written
- Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent observation, analysis and organization abilities
3. BS in Agribusiness with 6 years of Experience
- Ability to manage time and priorities in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Display a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
- Ability to work successfully with limited supervision.
- Ability to recognize problems before they occur and take a proactive approach to resolve the issue.
- Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and project management skills.
- Ability to manage confrontational situations in a fair, consistent, and prompt manner.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to lead by example and positively influence a group of people.
- Ability to maintain positive working relationships and support organizational processes and goals.
- A strong background in horticultural crops
4. BA in Environmental Management with 5 years of Experience
- Experience in a leadership/management role
- Ability to communicate effectively and keep business records.
- Ability to discern what issues need to be brought to upper management.
- Understanding of farm operations and the seasonal demands
- Experience in operating and maintaining a range of modern farming machinery
- Chemical accreditation and application
- A current HC truck license
- Excellent communication and time management skills
- Proactive work attitude and willingness to learn
- Adherence to OH&S regulations
5. BS in Horticulture with 4 years of Experience
- Strong Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Access and Publisher
- Skilled in managing and developing personnel
- Skilled in process development, documentation, and implementation
- Skilled in continuous improvement
- Verbal and written communication
- Professional communication with internal counterparts and external clients
- Critical thinking and informed decision making
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment to accomplish goals
- Ability to perform follow-ups to ensure quality of work product and/or action items are completed
- Ability to work with allied partnerships in a professional, courteous manner
- Ability to listen and accept coaching from peers and managers
6. BA in Sustainable Agriculture with 5 years of Experience
- Experience in managing a mixed-cropped organic farm with a wide range of different
- Produce, with a minimum of 2 years
- Experience in creating and implementing planting schedules
- Strong knowledge of the organic farming system and the industry
- Experience in setting up, operating and maintaining irrigation systems
- Tractor and machinery experience with a wide range of implements and attachments
- Experience in creating and managing budgets
- An understanding of WH&S and HACCP control systems in horticulture
- A good background in social media content creation for a business/brand
- Good communication skills
- In-depth understanding and experience handling the complexity of finishing systems
- Problem-solving ability and excellent communication skills
7. BS in Plant Science with 7 years of Experience
- Ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization including hourly, peer, and leadership
- Strong people management skills including coaching, performance management, and hands-on development
- Willingness and aptitude to engage in continuous learning about indoor crop production and maintenance as well as the broader controlled environment/vertical farming industry
- Strong problem-solving and agility to operate in an environment with developing processes, coupled with the ability to create and implement processes and standards
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to new products, engage in technical conversations and help translate from R&D and engineering to operations
- Ability to apply manufacturing skills to a non-factory environment
- Experience at a start-up greenfield or brownfield facility
- Experience in the food and/or food production industry
- Knowledge of food sanitation processes, procedures, and standards
- Passion and enthusiasm for livestock farming with good commercial acumen in relation to running a successful livestock farm
- Proven leadership and stakeholder management skills
8. BA in Rural Studies with 6 years of Experience
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation center and /or park management
- Knowledge of fiscal record-keeping and inventory procedures
- Knowledge of aquatics, grounds maintenance, horticulture, agriculture, cultural or historic resources, or another specialized area as appropriate for the duties of the position
- Ability to use a personal computer, applicable software and peripheral equipment
- Ability to direct and coordinate the work of subordinate staff and volunteers
- Ability to plan, develop, and administer recreation programs or community activities
- Ability to maintain effective relationships with employees and citizen groups
- Ability to prepare a variety of administrative reports
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to manage a team and the allocation of tasks
- Experience in the maintenance and repair of agricultural machinery and equipment
- Knowledge of the repair and maintenance of farm equipment, irrigation pumps and systems
9. BS in Agriculture Technology with 5 years of Experience
- Experience with managing a working farm.
- Experience with maintaining the fence.
- Experience with animal science and breeding local animals.
- Experience with crop science.
- Experience with antique farming equipment.
- Experience with event logistics.
- Experience managing staff and/or volunteers and/or scheduling staff.
- Experienced with safe use of power tools, tractors, mowers and other farm equipment.
- Virginia pesticide technician or applicator certification.
- Experience managing mowing operations in a natural setting, including equipment maintenance.
- Small equipment repair experience.
Relevant Information