A crop technician is responsible for using the advanced and innovative technologies available to optimise agricultural and horticultural crop yields on farms. This is achieved by efficiently delivering the key stages of sowing seed, germination, growth, harvest, and post-harvest operations. All this should be done while taking appropriate steps to maintain and improve the soil and the surrounding environment.
A crop technician works closely with the farm manager, foreman/assistant farm manager, or agronomist, carrying out their plans and instructions effectively to ensure crops are produced to the highest standard. As a crop technician, you’ll have a good working knowledge of all crop/plant growth stages, from seed storage to final crop harvesting and product care. This will help to help make sure the overall business is as profitable as possible.
Arable and horticulture crops include cereals like oats, barley, wheat, maize, vegetables, salad, or fruit crops. They are produced as food for humans and animals and for energy production, such as in anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities and biomass burners.
This is a variable role where you could work in an outdoor soil-based system or sometimes indoors in polytunnels or glasshouse systems.
You’ll understand the different species of crops and their stages of growth and be responsible for preparing seed beds/growing mediums and following procedures to maximise growth potential. You’ll also need to understand control measures for common pests, weeds, and diseases.
You’ll become competent in keeping accurate records using farm software, operating and taking care of machinery, and may be involved with experimenting with new growing approaches.
It’s common for farmers in the UK to have a mix of crops depending on soil type, location, market, and crop compatibility. A mix of crops in a crop rotation is considered best practice as it helps to maintain soil health and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
You may need to have your own transport to get to work.
