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What is Farm Management?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Farm management is the collective term for various management strategies and methods that are employed to keep a farm productive and profitable. The process of this type of management is often associated with large commercial farms, although many of the same methods can be used with equal success on a small family-owned farm. Depending on the size of the operation, the management process may require the services of a single farm manager or a group of managers who oversee various aspects of the overall project.

In many respects, effective farm management is similar to the management processes that are employed with any type of business. There are decisions that must be made on a daily basis, as well as operational guidelines that must be observed by everyone who is involved with the operation. Some participants are accountable to overseers or managers, who in turn are accountable to owners.

Farmers use advanced technology to manage their businesses.
Farmers use advanced technology to manage their businesses.

What sets farm management apart from other moneymaking ventures is the kinds of daily duties involved and the number of management layers found in the operation. Even among farms, the processes will vary depending on the type of farming business involved and the overall size of the operation. For example, the specific tasks associated with effective dairy management will be somewhat different than tasks connected with the operation of a wheat farm.

Managing a dairy farm may involve tracking livestock.
Managing a dairy farm may involve tracking livestock.

Large commercial farms are more likely to rely on modern technology in order to maximize the efficiency of the management process. Special software that makes it possible to keep track of units produced, units in process, pending orders, and outstanding expenses help to simplify a number of management tasks. In addition to this software, state of the art equipment for cultivation, harvesting, and maintenance also help enhance the productivity of farms of all sizes.

Farmers can keep track of finances and production wirelessly.
Farmers can keep track of finances and production wirelessly.

Even small farmers can benefit from management advice. Consulting with a farm management company makes it possible for experts to assess the current condition of the farm and make constructive suggestions on how to increase the productivity and profit margin for the farm. Managers assigned by the company can oversee the implementation of the suggestions while training family members and hired help how to use the additions to best advantage.

A farmer uses a tractor to till a field before planting.
A farmer uses a tractor to till a field before planting.

As with many career options, training in the field normally involves a combination of structured study in a degree program provided by a college or university and on the job experience. Some degree programs require that students work as interns at commercial farms before receiving their educational credentials. Even long time farmers can study management basics through the use of materials available from various farming associations and agencies, however.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

anon351807

Farm management is a very good process in which people manage the work to do with efficiency.

profess

I just inherited a few acres from my grandfather and I have been thinking about crowing some crops. The more research I do the more I realize how little I know. Is there any farm management software that can help me plan and manage the process?

truman12

Farm management is a lot more complicated and technical than people give it credit for. Today's farms are sprawling agricultural factories that require all the careful planning and supervision that a major manufacturing plant does.

It takes both scientific and technical knowledge. Medication for animals has to be monitored, crops must be rotated, fertilizer loads have to be calculated. And minor mistakes can have serious consequences once it comes time to harvest. So when you think of farm management, don't think of an old farmer with suspenders and a nubby pencil planning out next years crops.

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    • Farmers use advanced technology to manage their businesses.
      By: auremar
      Farmers use advanced technology to manage their businesses.
    • Managing a dairy farm may involve tracking livestock.
      By: Visionsi
      Managing a dairy farm may involve tracking livestock.
    • Farmers can keep track of finances and production wirelessly.
      By: auremar
      Farmers can keep track of finances and production wirelessly.
    • A farmer uses a tractor to till a field before planting.
      By: Valcho
      A farmer uses a tractor to till a field before planting.
    • Different types of farms require different management skills; a dairy farm, for example, runs differently than a wheat farm.
      By: damiver
      Different types of farms require different management skills; a dairy farm, for example, runs differently than a wheat farm.
    • Farm management includes deciding which kinds of produce to grow.
      By: marucyan
      Farm management includes deciding which kinds of produce to grow.