Junior Farming Field Manager

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Join a highly successful agricultural company in the Free State area. They seek a talented, experienced Junior Farming Field Manager to join their dynamic team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with a reputable company that values expertise, professionalism, and innovation in the industry. Enjoy competitive compensation, a supportive work culture, and room for professional growth.

Ideal Candidate:

• Minimum tertiary qualification: B.Sc. Agriculture or B.Comm Agricultural Economics degree.
• Demonstrated work experience of 2 to 3 years is an advantage.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Planning:

• Construct crop production plans on Agworld for maize, soybeans, sunflower, wheat, and canola for designated farming units in conjunction with the Senior Field Manager and Farming Contractor.
• Make chemical, seed, fertilizer, and lime recommendations in conjunction with respective representatives and agronomists.
• Assist in building a set budget for each unit covering all necessary scenarios within an achievable cost range.
• Evaluate different input prices and farming practices to determine the most efficient production plan.

Execution:

• Execute the production plans within the set budget together with the Senior Field Manager and Farming Contractor.
• Oversee accurate and timely land preparations.
• Ensure timely planting and application of inputs within correct procedures and circumstances as set out in the production plan.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of inputs and contracting services.
• Coordinate the accurate delivery of harvested crops into designated silos and/or on-farm loading to end-point destinations.

Managing:

• Coordinate the Farming Contractor by assisting with day-to-day crop production activities and decision-making.
• Take full responsibility for certain farm activities, such as crop spraying, when required.
• Continuously visit fields to follow up, solve challenges, and monitor general progress.
• Ensure continuous farm visits by agronomists and representatives to evaluate crop development.
• Manage on-farm stock with safe storage, regular stock taking, and implementation of inputs.

Reporting:

• Frequently update and report on crop progress and project production outcomes based on agronomical characteristics and facts.
• Report on factors influencing crops during the season and potential damage and/or solutions.
• Report on the planned budget and any factors influencing potential over or under spending.
• Manage on-farm and storage facility stock quantities using Shed as an inventory management tool.
• Report daily rainfall for all farms.
• Complete, report, and update crop estimations pre-harvest.
• Report deliveries into designated delivery points of harvested crops and reconcile with reports from the Support team.

Essential Skills:

• Self-driven
• Good communication skills
• Teamwork
• Innovative
• Ownership & Accountability
• Management
• Detail-oriented
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Analytical skills
• Planning and organizing
• Reporting and writing

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of the grain industry and/or experience in farming/agriculture in South Africa
• Agility
• Ability to stay focused in a high-intensity and fast-paced working environment

General:

• Reports to Senior Field Manager.
• Salary is market-related with provident fund and medical aid benefits.