Farm Manager

  • Tsumeb, Namibia
  • Full-Time
  • On-Site

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