Farm Manager
Job Description:
1. ROLE OVERVIEW
The Farm Manager shall oversees the full operational, technical, and
strategic management of a diverse mixed-production farm. Operations include:
Cattle (beef) production
Goat & sheep small-stock farming
Crop production (maize, lucerne, wheat, vegetables, fodder)
Horticulture (open-field and/or controlled-environment production of vegetables,
fruits, herbs, and specialty crops)
The role ensures sustainable productivity, rangeland health, efficient staff supervision,
high-quality production output, and compliance with Namibian agricultural standards.
2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Livestock Management (Cattle, Goats & Sheep)
Oversee daily livestock operations: feeding, herding, animal health, breeding &
monitoring.
Implement strategic breeding programmes for improved genetics in cattle and
small-stock.
Maintain vaccination, dipping, dosing, and parasite-control schedules.
Manage livestock nutrition plans, including integration with fodder/horticulture waste
when applicable.
Monitor grazing distribution and adapt rotational grazing schedules.
Ensure proper maintenance of kraals, loading ramps, crush pens, fences, and
watering points.
Manage livestock record-keeping for births, sales, treatments, and movement
permits.
B. Crop & Fodder Production (Maize, Lucerne, Wheat,
Vegetables, Silage & Hay)
Plan and manage full production cycles from land preparation to post-harvest.
Operate and supervise planting, fertilization, weed control, spraying, irrigation &
harvesting.
Oversee the production of lucerne, fodder grasses, and silage for livestock feed.
Conduct soil testing, nutrient management, and pesticide programmes aligned with
Namibian agricultural guidelines.
Maintain pivots, drip irrigation, tractors, implements, and agricultural machinery.
Ensure proper storage, drying, baling, and quality control of harvests.
Market surplus produce efficiently to generate revenue.
C. Horticulture Production (Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs &
Commercial Horticulture Crops)
Plan and oversee horticultural operations in both open-field and greenhouse
environments when applicable.
Manage production schedules for horticulture crops such as:
Tomatoes, onions, cabbage, carrots, spinach
Peppers, cucumbers, melons
Herbs (basil, mint, coriander, etc.)
Fruit trees (citrus, stone fruit, or farm-specific varieties)
Coordinate seedling propagation, transplanting, spacing, pruning, and trellising.
Oversee pest and disease management using integrated pest management (IPM)
techniques.
Manage greenhouse climates, shade-net structures, and controlled environments.
Implement irrigation strategies tailored to horticulture (drip, micro-sprinkler, fertigation
systems).
Monitor harvest quality, grading, packaging, storage, and distribution.
Ensure compliance with hygiene and food-safety standards for horticultural produce.
Seek opportunities for value-added products (processed vegetables, drying, juicing,
etc.).
D. Staff & Labour Management
Supervise farm workers across livestock, crop, and horticulture divisions.
Assign daily tasks and manage productivity for herders, tractor operators, horticulture
teams, and seasonal workers.
Provide training in livestock handling, machinery operation, irrigation, horticultural
care, and safety.
Enforce farm policies, health & safety standards, and labour law compliance.
Maintain strong team morale and promote an efficient working environment.
E. Financial & Administrative Duties
Prepare and manage budgets for livestock, crops, horticulture, labour, repairs, and
operational costs.
Maintain accurate production, sales, and expense records.
Analyse operational profitability and prepare monthly and quarterly reports.
Manage purchasing of seeds, fertilizers, agro-chemicals, veterinary supplies,
machinery parts, and tools.
Support planning for expansion projects, new orchards, greenhouse installations, or
infrastructure upgrades.
F. Infrastructure & Equipment Oversight
Oversee maintenance of:
Boreholes, solar pumps, reservoirs, pipelines & troughs
Livestock kraals, storage barns, workshops & staff housing
Greenhouses, irrigation systems, shade-netting structures
Farm roads, firebreaks & boundary fences
Tractors, implements, pumps, generators & vehicles
Coordinate servicing schedules and ensure safe operation of all machinery.
G. Safety, Compliance & Environmental Stewardship
Ensure compliance with all Namibian agricultural, environmental, and veterinary
regulations.
Implement farm safety protocols for chemical handling, machinery use, and
food-safety standards.
Support sustainable farming practices including:
Soil conservation
Water-efficient irrigation
Sustainable horticulture methods
Rangeland management & erosion prevention
Maintain wildlife coexistence strategies and farm security measures.
3. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications
Diploma/Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Animal Science, or
equivalent.
Certifications in irrigation management, crop protection, or greenhouse operations
are an advantage.
Required Experience
Minimum 5–10 years experience in managing a mixed farming unit.
Proven experience in:
Beef cattle production
Small-stock farming
Crop/field production
Horticulture or greenhouse management (required due to expanded
operations)
Staff supervision & farm budgeting
Irrigation systems and mechanized farming equipment
Skills
Strong practical knowledge of animal husbandry and commercial horticulture.
Competency in irrigation scheduling, fertigation, and climate control.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making.
Financial acumen and strong organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and lead diverse operational teams.
4. KEY COMPETENCIES
Strong leadership and people management skills
Operational planning and strategic thinking
Hands-on approach with technical farming ability
Strong communication skills (English required; Afrikaans an advantage)
High resilience, reliability, and integrity
Adaptability to seasonal and climatic challenges
5. REMUNERATION
Competitive, depending on experience, and may include:
Accommodation on the farm
Utilities
Farm vehicle or fuel allowance
Production-based bonuses