Crop Farmer

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Crop Farm Worker

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Practical or MechanicalClerical or OrganisingNature or RecreationSkill Level 1

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Crop Farmers work the land to produce high quality and high yielding vegetables, fruits, grains, cotton, nuts, soy, sugar cane, flowers and other necessities that grow from the earth. They must ensure that their fields are well maintained and the soil and plants are healthy. Crop farmers also make plans for crop FutureGrowthModerate rotation to make sure that the nutrients in the soil are sufficient to grow appropriate materials.

Crop farmers must possess knowledge of crop science, as well as experience. Their work is diverse, covering areas such as pest control, horticulture and business contracts. Some work on family farms, others are employed by large corporate growing operations. Advancement in the field is generally experience-based; however, formal education can increase employment opportunities. A bachelor's degree in agronomy, agricultural business or other relevant field may be useful.

Crop farmers may raise crops like cotton, coffee beans or horticultural items. These farmers can work in a variety of weather or land conditions. They must know about or have experience with entomology and insects, agribusiness ventures and general agronomy. Crop farmers will often need to keep record of crop rotations, yields, expenses and reports that they generate for the government. Crop Farmer spraying

These farmers can work for large commercially owned farms or they can own or lease land. Many need to be licensed in order to work with the chemicals and pesticides used to harvest crops. Crop farmers can balance duties such as the day-to-day operation of a farm, acting as farm managers or doing the general labor involved in picking and selecting crops. They can have physically challenging jobs that include operating and dealing with large mechanical equipment and harvest tools across all weather conditions.

ANZSCO ID: 1212

Specialisations:

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes

  • Ability to delegate responsibilities

  • Ability to hire, train and oversee many field workers

  • Ability to maintain composure in tense and problematic situations

  • Capable of operating farming machinery

  • Knowledge of crop rotation

  • Knowledge of growing and soil conditions for the area

  • Physically able to withstand extremely hot, windy and stormy conditions

  • Understanding of the market for crops

  • Understanding of water and irrigation needs  

 

Brussels Sprouts
Harvesting Brussels Sprouts

Duties and tasksHarvesting Potatoes

  • Planning and coordinating the production and marketing of crops, such as grain, cotton, sugar cane, fruit and nuts, vegetables, turf and flowers, from soil preparation to harvest taking into account environmental and market factors

  • Selecting and planting seeds, seedlings and bulbs, and grafting new varieties to root stocks

  • Maintaining crop production by cultivating, de-budding and pruning, and maintaining optimal growing conditions

  • Organising and conducting farming operations, such as collecting, storing, grading and packaging produce, and organising the sale, purchase and despatch of produce

  • Directing and overseeing general farming activities such as fertilising and pest and weed control
    •maintaining farm buildings, fences, equipment and water supply systems

  • Maintaining and evaluating records of farming activities, monitoring market activity, and planning crop preparation and production to meet contract requirements and market demand

  • Managing business capital including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management

  • May select, train and supervise staff and contractors

  • Develop new strains of plants and vegetables

  • Ensure fields are maintain properly in non-growing seasons

  • Ensure optimum production through proper cultivation methods

  • Ensure soil is fertilized and plants are free of pests and fungus

  • Ensure that crop production meets all contractual agreements

  • Ensure that fields are ready for planting

  • Hire, train and supervise farming staff Melons

  • Maintain accurate records

  • Maintain irrigation systems, building, fences and farm machinery

  • Market the crops

  • Oversee all farming operations such as picking, grading and packaging of products

  • Oversee the planting of seeds and bulbs

  • Select seeds and bulbs suitable for the area  

Working conditions

Crop Farmers spend most of their time out in the fields and must deal with all kinds of weather conditions. This is a very stressful job as severe weather and drought can damage and destroy the crops. Even under perfect conditions, there can be considerable crop losses, however the financial benefits and rewards of growing exceptional crops can make up for any losses sustained in the past.  

Education and training/entrance requirements

At least 5 years of relevant experience is usually needed to work in this job (that's a skill level equal to a Bachelor Degree or higher). Around one in four workers have Year 12 as their highest level of education.

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