Crops & Machinery Lead — Rural Farm Operations

Farm Manager SA; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Manager SA in Cradock, Eastern Cape seeks a Crops and Machinery Manager to oversee the full production cycle—from soil preparation and planting to irrigation, crop protection, harvesting and post-harvest storage—for maize, lucerne, teff and more. The role combines hands-on field work with managing the farm workshop, vehicle fleet, input procurement, and a small team of staff.

It requires practical welding, diesel engine maintenance, record‑keeping, and the ability to operate modern

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial crop farming and machinery management.
• Proficient welding and general fabrication in a farm workshop; familiarity with power tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues on farm equipment before calling contractors.
• Hands-on servicing of diesel engines, John Deere tractors, and combine harvesters.
• Must be systematic with digital record-keeping and capable of working independently.
• Experience living in a rural farming community preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage soil preparation, planting, irrigation, chemical/fertilizer application and harvest for maize, lucerne, teff and oats.
• Oversee input procurement and supplier coordination; manage delivery schedules.
• Supervise ~6 permanent staff plus temporary workers; implement daily checklists and safety protocols.
• Maintain and operate farm vehicles, tractors, trailers and implements; oversee workshop.
• Monitor water distribution and irrigation across 300+ hectare footprint.
• Assist with budgeting and cost control; coordinate crop deliveries to clients.

Skills

Crop farming

Machinery management

Workshop welding

Diesel engines servicing

Tractors & harvesters operation

Electrical knowledge

Record keeping / digital logs

Team leadership

Budgeting / cost control

Job description

Farm Manager SA in Cradock, Eastern Cape seeks a Crops and Machinery Manager to oversee the full production cycle—from soil preparation and planting to irrigation, crop protection, harvesting and post-harvest storage—for maize, lucerne, teff and more. The role combines hands-on field work with managing the farm workshop, vehicle fleet, input procurement, and a small team of staff.

It requires practical welding, diesel engine maintenance, record‑keeping, and the ability to operate modern