Agricultural and forestry production managers plan, direct, and coordinate production in large scale agricultural, horticultural and forestry operations such as plantations, large ranches, collective farms and agricultural co- operatives to grow and harvest crops, and breed and raise livestock.
(a) Tasks include -
monitoring agricultural and forestry market activity and planning production to meet contract requirements and market demand;
establishing and managing budgets, monitoring production output and costs, recording information such as farm management practices, and preparing financial and operational reports;
conferring with buyers to arrange for the sale of crops and livestock;
contracting with farmers or independent owners for production of crops and livestock, or for management of production;
planning the type, intensity and sequence of farm operations (e.g. determining the best times for planting, spraying and harvesting);
analysing soil to determine types and quantities of fertilizer required for maximum production;
purchasing machinery, equipment, and supplies such as tractors, seed, fertilizer, and chemicals;
identifying and controlling agricultural and forest environmental toxins, weeds, pests and diseases;
organizing farming operations such as maintaining buildings, water supply systems and equipment;
directing and coordinating activities such as planting, irrigation, chemical application, harvesting, and grading;
inspecting plantations and fields to determine maturity dates of crops, or to estimate potential crop damage from weather;
overseeing the selection, training and performance of agricultural and forestry workers and contractors.