JOB PROFILE

FARM MANAGER / FARMER (BEEF CATTLE & CROP)

EMPLOYMENT BASIS: Permanent
WORKING HOURS: Monday to Fridays and on weekends when required by management.
SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Farm Manager will do a variety of tasks, including raising and caring for livestock, planting and harvesting crop, repairs and maintenance, tractor work, and other farming activities.
JOB PURPOSE: Farmer is responsible for the planning, management and day-to-day running of farm.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 1 February 2017 or ASAP.
AREA OF BUSINESS: Bronkhorstspruit.

APPOINTMENT CONDITIONS: If you do not receive any feedback from us within (2) weeks of submitting your CV, please regard your application as unsuccessful. However, if you are invited for an interview we will keep you informed of the progress of your application.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
1.1 Matric (Grade 12) or equivalent (NQF Level 4).
1.2 Minimum of 3 years’ proven experience with cattle.
1.3 Minimum of 3 years’ proven experience with crop.
1.4 Code 14 Drivers License.
1.5 Computer Literate.
1.6 Any qualification in farming will be highly beneficial.
1.7 Mechanical experience is required.
1.8 Knowledge about pests, insects, agribusiness ventures etc. are required.

2. DESCRIPTION

The farm is a 1 795-hector farm located between Bronkhorstspruit and Delmas. On the farm, we farm with Beefmasters as our cattle and we also plant corn, soya and grasslands.

We are looking for a young energetic hands-on individual whom wants to make a difference on a farm. An individual who has a passion for farming. The successful individual must have the right experience, come up with new ideas and his goal must be to make a difference with the farming.

3. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

3.1 CATTLE FARMING:

3.1.1. Feed Cattle:

Food: Cattle must have food and water year-round. Beef cattle must be given special feeds just prior to sale to increase their weight. This must be monitored.

Water: Water must be delivered to cattle, and when they are at grassland, farmer must ensure that stock tanks are full and uncontaminated.

3.1.2. Breed Cattle:

Monitor the number of cattle and always ensure there are enough grasslands for the number of cattle. Advise if there are too many cattle. Ensure the cattle are split to reproduce in an appropriate manner.

Use brands, tags, or tattoos to mark livestock to identify ownership and grade.
During labor, farmer is in control of delivery and monitoring the health of both the cow and the calf.

3.1.3. Monitor Cattle Health:

The farmer must maintain a close watch on the health of the livestock. Numerous diseases and parasitic pests can affect entire herds in a short time. Monitor health problems, such as ticks, flees, superficial cuts etc.
The farmer will handle chores like dehorning himself.

3.1.4. Miscellaneous Duties:

Farmer must ensure that all chemicals and feeds given to cattle comply with government regulations.

3.2. CROP FARMING (FARMING WITH GRASSLANDS, CORN, SOYA):

3.2.1. Plant season:

Farmer must ensure the soil is in a good condition. He must test and ensure it has the necessary nutrients for optimal performance. Analyse soil to determine type and quantity of fertilizer required for maximum production.
Ensure that the fields are well maintained and the soil and plants are healthy.
Make plans for crop rotation to make sure that the nutrients in the soil are sufficient.
Operate and service farm machinery.

3.2.2. Pest control:

Spray fertilizer or pesticide solutions to control insects, fungi, and weeds.

3.2.3. Harvest:

Ensure harvesting is done on the exact right time for optimal harvest.
Determines where will be the best for drying, grading, and storage of crop.

3.3. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATION:

3.3.1. Construction Work:

Shelters, barns, fences, feed holders and gates are some of the structures. The farmer must see that they are built and repaired as necessary. Maintain ditches or pipes and pumps. Inspect and maintain all equipment used this will include but are not limited to: Tractors, Planters, etc.

3.3.2. Handle Business Affairs:

Farmer must find buyers for the products. They may have to negotiate contracts with buyers or arrange delivery of their stock. The farmer must also look for new opportunities and ensure the business grows.

3.3.3. Employees:

Train and Supervise employees. The farmer is responsible to ensure optimum performance by his team of employees. He must manage their working hours, leave, rest days etc. and ensure time sheets are signed off every day as they arrive at work and leave again. Ensure time sheets reach the Payroll department in time.

3.3.4. Asset Register:

The farmer must do a monthly asset register and check the stock, and equipment at hand, if anything is required the farmer will have to make a list and send it through for approval.

3.3.5. Budget:

Manage and control the budget. Ensure that there are no unnecessary expenses.

4. ATTRIBUTES, COMPETENCY AND SKILLS:
4.1. Listening skills. Need to work well with others. Because they take instructions and need to give instructions through to team.
4.2. Physical stamina and strength. Need to be able to perform laborious tasks repeatedly.
4.3. Mechanical skills. Must be able to operate complex farm machinery. They also occasionally do routine maintenance on the machinery.
4.4. Managing Performance. The ability to take responsibility for one’s own performance, by setting clear goals and expectations, tracking progress, ensuring feedback and addressing performance problems.
4.5. Oral communication. Need the ability to express oneself clearly in conversations and interactions with others.
4.6. Initiative. Identifying what needs to be done and doing it before being asked or before the situation requires it.
4.7. Management and Leadership qualities is essential.