Manager or proprietor in agriculture and horticulture - requirements

As a worker in this field, sometimes described as a farmer or farm manager, you’ll be an organised and proactive decision maker who drives the smooth working of a farm or estate. Read on to learn more about careers in this field, find out what your day-to-day job will involve, and what you should study and do to get a role.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

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What skills do you need to be a manager or proprietor in agriculture and horticulture?

Having an affinity for plants or animals, management skills and being highly organised are great skills to have for success in this career.

Hard skills usually include:
  • Agricultural techniques
  • Animal husbandry techniques
  • Irrigation and engineering
  • Using machinery
  • Logistics and record-keeping
  • Accounting and auditing
Soft skills include:
  • Management skills
  • Communication skills
  • Being motivated
  • Planning skills
  • An eye for detail
  • Leadership and managing people
  • Sales and marketing

What qualifications do you need to be a manager and proprietor in agriculture and horticulture?

A degree or higher national diploma in one of the following subjects will be highly valued by employers in this field:

Practical experience and technical skills are very important for getting work in this field. Some employers may regard experience as more important than qualifications, and you may be able to find work without having qualifications if you prefer.

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a manager and proprietor in agriculture and horticulture?

A postgraduate qualification is usually only needed if you want to go into the academic side of agriculture and horticulture, such as teaching or research.

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include MAs in:

  • Agriculture
  • Rural estate and land management
  • Crop production
  • Horticulture
  • Environmental management for agriculture

Do you need work experience to be a managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture?

In almost all cases you’ll need to show significant experience of working in farms or horticultural operations before you can get any management roles. Hands-on experience is one of the most important factors when looking for work in this field, and you should try and get as much as possible. This could be through placements during your studies, working during vacations, or working before and after your studies.

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