The farm manager is responsible for running a productive and sustainable livestock business that meets animal welfare and environmental standards.
Also known as agricultural manager, livestock manager, farmer or farm foreman.
This profile highlights the skills and knowledge associated with the role. However, jobs will have varying responsibilities depending on level of the role and the size or type of the business.
Working as a farm manager is both challenging and rewarding. You will need to make decisions to help develop your business while producing high-quality, safe food.
As a farm manager, you will work on a farm that rears animals such as pigs, sheep, poultry, and cattle for meat production or breeding. You could also choose to work on a dairy farm.
Farm managers protect the natural environment and make sure animals are looked after in the best way possible. They also ensure the farm business remains profitable.
Farms can range from small family-owned farms to those run by management companies and large country estates. This allows you to choose what farm size you might like to work on.
Many farm managers have progressed in their careers either by building on-the-job skills and experience or by completing a relevant degree in agriculture.
As a manager, you will also mentor and manage staff and manage business relationships with suppliers, contractors, and advisors to ensure the business runs smoothly and effectively.
You’ll work closely with and plan alongside the farm owner or management consultants. They will also work with different advisers to ensure the farm works efficiently, productively, and to best practice.
You may need to have your own transport to get to work
As a farm manager your responsibilities might include:
To work as a farm manager, you should be:
You could be appointed as a farm manager based on experience. However, a relevant qualification such as an agriculture or farm business management degree could increase your options (see below).
This role would suit someone who is self-motivated, enthusiastic and committed to making a difference in the industry.
As a livestock farm manager, you’ll have the following competencies for managing farm operations and staff for maximum productivity and minimal environmental impact. You will:
The salary for a livestock farm manager is in the region of £30,000 to £50,000 per year.
This figure is for a full-time permanent position depending on level of experience, business type and location.
Within the agriculture and horticulture sectors there are often many associated benefits that are not reflected in the headline salary. These can include accommodation being provided or subsidised, travel pay, profit shares, vehicle use and production/performance bonuses.
You could progress further by developing your skills and knowledge by managing various farm businesses. Or you could progress to the level of farm director or operations director. There are also opportunities to work as a farm manager on different farms.
You could also consider a position as a farm consultant providing technical support and advice to other farmers.
A relevant degree is not required but may help you in your application.
Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Agriculture
Level 3 Business Studies
BSc in Agriculture with Farm Business Management
FdSc Agriculture and Farm Management
BSc Applied Farm Management
BSc Agriculture
BSc Agricultural and Livestock Science
BA Business Studies
Employers and recruiters who hire for this role include:
The employers and recruiters listed below hire for roles like this one. If you would like your business to be listed here, please click the button underneath the logos shown here.
https://www.4xtrahands.com/jobs
https://www.agrirs.co.uk/work-for-us
https://careers.cotteswold-dairy.co.uk/vacancies/vacancy-search-results.aspx
https://everestps.co.uk/milk-dairy/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1494447200599804
https://www.lklservices.co.uk/
For more information on career inspiration and lots of varied job profiles visit The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture’s website
Promoting food, farming and countryside education in Norfolk 🚜🐑
💚 A huge thank you to @benburgessag and all their fantastic staff for supporting our...
🍎🥕 What a fantastic time we had at @theaylshamshow ! 🌱
We loved welcoming visitors...
🥕 Come and visit us at the Aylsham Show this Bank Holiday Monday!🍓
This year’s...
🎉 A Levels Results Day! 🎉
A huge congratulations to everyone receiving their results today!...
What a fantastic day at our 2nd Exploring Food & Farming event of 2026 🚜...
Did you see us at Wayland Show on Sunday? 🐑✨
We had a wonderful day...
Happy Norfolk Day! 🌾💛
From fields and thriving farms to fresh local produce and the...
Our women in farming project carries on with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Associations community cube...
🌱✨ Throwback Thursday ✨🌱
Today we're looking back at some fantastic memories from our school...
🚜 Are you passionate about innovation in agriculture, food production, sustainability, engineering, technology, or rural...
🌾 Come and see us at the Wayland Agricultural Show on Sunday, 2nd August!
The...
🚜🌾Applications are still open for our FREE Exploring Food & Farming Day on Wednesday 5th...
What an incredible @royalnorfolkshow we had last week! 🌾🎉
The Food & Farming Discovery Trust...
We're at @groundswell_agriculture for the next two days! 📸🌾
Come and visit our Women in...
☀️ Hot weather is forecast for this year's Royal Norfolk Show. Here is some useful...
📸🌾 Celebrate Women in Agriculture at the @RoyalNorfolkShow 🌾📸
As 2026 marks the International Year...
🌾🎉 The countdown is on!
Next week, we’re delighted to welcome more than 15,000 school...
