FARM MANAGER – MIXED FARMING – FM2742

Farm Manager SA; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Manager SA is seeking a dynamic Farm Manager for the Prieska area in the Northern Cape, South Africa. The role requires leadership of daily farm operations across crops including maize, wheat, lucerne and onions, with irrigation scheduling, maintenance, and supplier coordination.

The ideal candidate will have a farming background with 7+ years of experience, be capable of independent decision-making, and comfortable living in a rural community.

Qualifications

• Min of 7 years relevant farming/farm management experience.
• Strong leadership and ability to work independently.
• Experience with irrigation scheduling and crop management.
• Maintenance oriented with troubleshooting on farm machinery and infrastructure.
• Comfortable using smartphones and agricultural apps for record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate routine tasks across the farm to ensure timely and safe completion.
• Manage full production cycles for maize, wheat, lucerne and onions including soil prep, planting, fertilizing, watering, pest control and harvesting.
• Oversee irrigation scheduling, chemical/fertilizer application and crop monitoring through harvesting and post-harvest storage.
• Source quotes and manage input orders, equipment maintenance and supplier deliveries with oversight of key suppliers.
• Lead and develop farm staff and contractors with strong communication and safety practices.

Education

Agricultural Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Harvesters & planting equipment

Tractors & implements

Job description

Prieska Area, Northern Cape Province – South Africa: This mixed farming operation is looking for a dynamic farm manager to join the team.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Agricultural Diploma or equivalent advantageous.
• Min of 7 years relevant farming/farm management experience.
• Previous experience with wheat, maize & lucerne.
• Pecan nut/orchard experience would be advantageous.
• Proven experience working with large combine harvesters and planting equipment essential.
• Experience scheduling and managing irrigation.
• Maintenance orientated. (A proactive, self-reliant approach to troubleshooting and fixing mechanical, structural, and operational issues on farm first before resorting to outside third-party contractors.)
• Strong leadership skills.
• Proven ability to work independently.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Basic practical knowledge of rural electrical systems for minor troubleshooting.
• Reasonable technical aptitude to use smartphones and agricultural apps, digital.
• Task lists, and record-keeping tools.
• Must be systematic and organized—capable of maintaining structured records and logs digitally or in writing.
• Comfortable living in a rural farming community and engaging respectfully with local association structures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Manage daily operations

• Coordinate routine tasks across the farm.
• Ensure work is completed correctly, safely and on time.
• Manage the full production cycle for maize, wheat, onions and lucerne —from soil management and soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilizer programs and pest/disease control programs up to harvesting.
• Irrigation scheduling, chemical/fertilizer application, and crop monitoring to harvesting and post-harvest storage—for maize, wheat, lucerne, onions, pecan nuts.
• Manage the end-to-end ordering process for any farming requirements including maintenance and crop inputs (seed, fertilizers, chemicals, etc.). Source quotes, coordinate with agricultural suppliers, manage delivery schedules. Owner will have oversight on key suppliers and programs e.g. seed/fertilizer and chemicals.
• Oversee water distribution, irrigation scheduling, pump checks, and routine upkeep of water delivery systems across the 520+ hectare irrigation footprint.
• Manage and develop pecan nut orchards, including maintenance, inputs, irrigation, harvesting and contractor coordination.
• Manage livestock operations, including grazing, breeding, animal health, handling, records and sales.

Record keeping and controls

• Oversee input stock control in alignment with the crop programs.
• Implement practical operational systems, daily checklists, and safety protocols.
• Maintain disciplined control over purchasing, fuel, feed, chemicals, labour, contractors, machinery and other farm costs.
• Maintain appropriate animal welfare, health and safety, environmental and regulatory standards.

Oversee equipment and maintenance

• Handle preventative maintenance and basic repairs.
• Direct the maintenance, servicing, and operation of all farm vehicles, tractors, trailers, and implements.
• Manage the farm workshop, ensuring all small tools, equipment, and general infrastructure are maintained, organized, and in safe working order.
• Handle basic on-farm electrical troubleshooting and minor electrical repairs.
• Maintain farm infrastructure including roads, fencing, water systems, buildings.

Lead and supervise

• Provide clear direction to staff.
• Supervise, schedule, and delegate tasks to the farm employees.
• Building a strong team and drive and promote positive team culture.
• Must be neat and diligent.
• Manage, lead and develop farm staff and contractors, with clear accountability for work standards and productivity.
• Support training and safe work practices.
• Maintain strong communication across the operation.

Problem-solving and troubleshooting

• Identify issues early and implement clear communication to the owner.
• Adapt to changing conditions (weather, workload, etc.).

ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted