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Vegetable Farm Manager /Grower

Vegetable farm managers and growers produce and market vegetables. Vegetable farm managers work in large businesses organising vegetable production.

 

Tasks & duties

Vegetable farm managers and growers may do some or all of the following:

  • decide what crops will be grown and organise their planting
  • prepare soil for planting and monitor and improve its health
  • maintain crops, which may involve spraying, pruning, fertilising and watering
  • harvest crops
  • grade and pack crops for sale
  • market and sell crops
  • transport crops to buyers
  • maintain and repair machinery and other equipment

Vegetable farm managers may do some or all of the following:

  • hire and train workers, and ensure their work is of a high standard
  • ensure that food safety, health and safety, and other regulations are complied with
  • ensure market certification systems such as New Zealand GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) or GLOBALGAP are adhered to, and documented fully
  • keep production and financial records and write reports on the performance of the crops
  • be involved in researching new growing and harvest techniques and varieties

 

Specialisations

Vegetable farm managers and growers may specialise in different methods of vegetable growing, such as:

  • organics
  • hydroponics (growing plants without using soil – usually in liquid, sand or gravel)
  • hothouses

 

Skills & knowledge

Vegetable farm managers and growers need to have:

  • knowledge of how to grow and harvest various types of crops
  • knowledge of crop diseases, weeds and pests and how to control them
  • knowledge of local climate and weather conditions
  • knowledge of soil science and crop rotation
  • knowledge of food safety, market certification and quality requirements
  • skill using agricultural fertilisers and chemicals, and knowledge of the rules about their use
  • general maintenance and basic mechanical skills

Those working in large organisations may need specialist technical knowledge, such as how to run automated systems in greenhouses.

Vegetable farm managers need to have:

  • knowledge of employment and health and safety regulations
  • administration, accounting and planning skills
  • problem-solving skills
  • people management and communication skills
  • computer skills
  • writing skills for writing reports and communicating with growers and buyers

 

Entry requirements

Vegetable grower

There are no specific requirements to become a vegetable grower, but you do need experience in vegetable or crop farming.

Basic vegetable growing and horticulture skills can be learned on the job and credited towards a national certificate (Levels 2 to 4). These national certificates in horticulture (vegetable) are available  through the NZ Horticulture ITO, through an apprenticeship (only available through approved employers).

National certificates in agriculture (arable farming, Levels 3 and 4) are available through the Agriculture ITO.

 

Vegetable farm manager

There are no specific requirements to become a vegetable farm manager, but some employers prefer people with tertiary training such as degrees or diplomas in agricultural science, horticulture, science or commerce.

Organic grower

There are no specific requirements to become an organic grower, but your farm needs to be certified by a recognised body. Diplomas and certificates in organic growing are available from Lincoln University, some polytechnics, and Taruna College.

 

Secondary education

Three years of secondary education is preferred. Useful subjects include maths, biology, chemistry and horticulture.

 

Tertiary education

For vegetable farm managers or growers, a tertiary qualification such as a diploma or degree in agricultural science, horticulture, science or commerce is useful.

 

Training on the job

Most skills are learned on the job, including driving and operating farm machinery. Courses and seminars are available to keep up to date with changes in growing methods.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for vegetable farm managers and growers includes:

  • farm and horticulture work
  • driving specialist equipment or heavy vehicles
  • formal training in the use of harvesting machinery
  • mechanical work
  • business management

 

Related courses

Crop Production
Horticulture

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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