As a farm manager, articulating the broad spectrum of your hands-on agricultural skills and management expertise on a resume can be a complex challenge. Our guide provides clear strategies to help you translate your diverse experiences into a concise and powerful narrative that will capture the attention of employers in the industry.
- Farm manager resume samples that got people hired at top companies.
- How to perfect the look-and-feel of your resume layout.
- How to showcase your achievements and skills through various resume sections.
- How you could hint to recruiters why your resume is the ideal profile for the job.
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Farm manager resume format made simple
You don't need to go over the top when it comes to creativity in your farm manager resume format .
What recruiters care about more is the legibility of your farm manager resume, alongside the relevancy of your application to the role.
That's why we're presenting you with four simple steps that could help your professional presentation check all the right boxes:
- The reverse-chronological resume format is the one for you, if you happen to have plenty of relevant (and recent) professional experience you'd like to showcase. This format follows a pretty succinct logic and puts the focus on your experience.
- Keep your header simple with your contact details; a headline that details the role you're applying for or your current job; and a link to your portfolio.
- Ensure your resume reaches an up-to-two-page limit, only if you happen to be applying for a more senior role or you have over a decade of relevant experience.
- Save your farm manager resume as a PDF to retain its structure and presentation.
Customize your resume for the market – a Canadian format, for example, might vary in structure.
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PRO TIP
If the certificate you've obtained is especially vital for the industry or company, include it as part of your name within the resume headline.
Traditional sections, appreciated by recruiters, for your farm manager resume:
- Clear and concise header with relevant links and contact details
- Summary or objective with precise snapshot of our career highlights and why you're a suitable candidate for the farm manager role
- Experience that goes into the nuts and bolts of your professional qualifications and success
- Skills section(-s) for more in-depth talent-alignment between job keywords and your own profile
- Education and certifications sections to further show your commitment for growth in the specific niche
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Farm Operations Management: Demonstrated experience in overseeing the day-to-day operations of a farm, including crop production, animal husbandry, and resource allocation.
- Agricultural Expertise: In-depth knowledge of agricultural best practices, crop rotation, pest management, and sustainable farming techniques.
- Staff Supervision and Training: Proven ability to recruit, train, and manage farm labor, ensuring a competent workforce to meet agricultural goals.
- Budgeting and Financial Management: Capability to plan and manage the financial aspects of running a farm, including budgeting, cost reduction strategies, and profitability analysis.
- Technology and Innovation: Familiarity with modern farm equipment, precision agriculture technologies, and innovative approaches to farming that can increase efficiency and yields.
Creating your farm manager resume experience to catch recruiters' attention
Remember that for the farm manager role, hiring managers are looking to see how your expertise aligns with their requirements. Here's where your resume experience section can help out. Make sure you:
- Include mainly roles that are relevant to the farm manager job you're applying for;
- Don't go too far back in your experience - recruiters will only care what you did a decade ago if it's really important for the farm manager role;
- Each bullet you include should say what you did, followed by the skills you used and the actual end result of your efforts;
- Quantify each of your achievements with numbers and possibly the overall effect it had on the organization;
- Highlight transferrable skills - or personal skills you've attained thanks to past jobs - that could be applicable within your potential workplace. This would showcase your unique value as a professional.
Formatting the experience section of your resume doesn't have to be an over-the-top deep dive into your whole career. Follow the farm manager resume examples below to see how industry-leading professionals are presenting their experience:
- Implemented sustainable farming practices that cut chemical usage by 40% while maintaining productivity on a 1500-acre operation.
- Utilized precision agriculture technologies to increase crop yields by 20%, enhancing overall farm efficiency and profitability.
- Led a team of 25 farm personnel, providing extensive training in agricultural machinery operation and advanced crop management techniques.
- Negotiated and secured contracts with national food distributors, increasing the farm's revenue streams by 30% within two years.
- Pioneered an organic certification program for the farm's produce, which commanded premium prices and grew customer base by 50%.
- Spearheaded a water conservation project, reducing usage by 25% through the introduction of a state-of-the-art irrigation system.
- Orchestrated the transition to a no-till farming system, conserving soil integrity and resulting in a 15% reduction in operating costs.
- Managed livestock production for over 1000 head of cattle, ensuring top-quality meat standards which led to partnerships with high-end retailers.
- Cultivated relationships with local cooperatives to facilitate equipment sharing and bulk purchasing, effectively lowering expenses by 20%.
- Oversaw the development and launch of farm's first CSA program, quickly amassing a subscriber base of over 200 families.
- Collaborated with agronomists to develop a crop rotation plan that increased soil fertility and led to a 25% rise in vegetable yields.
- Managed daily farm operations, ensuring all farm products were harvested and delivered on time to local markets, boosting customer satisfaction.
- Successfully applied for and managed federal grants for agricultural innovation, leading to the acquisition of $200,000 in funding for farm improvement projects.
- Coordinated farm tours and educational workshops, which increased local community engagement and led to a 35% rise in direct sales to consumers.
- Implemented integrated pest management practices that reduced crop losses by 40%, significantly boosting the season's profitability.
- Masterminded a vertical farming initiative, which allowed year-round produce growing and increased production space efficiency by 60%.
- Developed a soil health monitoring program using advanced sensor technology to optimize fertilization and irrigation schedules.
- Negotiated with technology vendors to implement a farm management software system, improving record keeping and operational decision-making.
- Directed the modernization of farm equipment, resulting in a 30% reduction in maintenance costs and enhanced operational efficiency.
- Implemented an employee incentive program that improved staff retention by 50% and significantly increased team morale and productivity.
- Drove innovation in sustainable farming techniques, such as the adoption of solar energy, reducing the farm's carbon footprint by 20%.
- Led the expansion of farm operations into a new region, doubling the available farming acreage and increasing annual revenue by 45%.
- Fostered a partnership with a local university to conduct crop experiment trials, leading to the discovery of a disease-resistant tomato variety that improved yields.
- Introduced automated data collection for crop performance, providing actionable insights that reduced waste by 22%.
The following content includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top responsibilities present on the task lists for farm manager professionals.
Top Responsibilities for Farm Manager:
- Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
- Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
- Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
- Direct and monitor the transfer of mature fish to lakes, ponds, streams, or commercial tanks.
- Determine how to allocate resources and to respond to unanticipated problems, such as insect infestation, drought, and fire.
- Determine plant growing conditions, such as greenhouses, hydroponics, or natural settings, and set planting and care schedules.
- Devise and participate in activities to improve fish hatching and growth rates, and to prevent disease in hatcheries.
- Position and regulate plant irrigation systems, and program environmental and irrigation control computers.
- Prepare reports required by state and federal laws.
- Inspect facilities and equipment for signs of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Specify the size of the farm you managed, including acreage and number of animals, to demonstrate the scale of your responsibilities.
- State the percentage increase in crop yield or animal productivity you achieved, showing your effectiveness in farm operations.
- Outline the exact number of farm staff you supervised to illustrate your leadership and management capabilities.
- Quantify any reductions in operational costs you implemented, highlighting your ability to drive profitability.
- Detail the number of projects you oversaw, such as infrastructure improvements or equipment upgrades, to showcase your project management skills.
- Present the increase in revenue or market share under your management, affirming your business acumen and strategic thinking.
- List any certifications or training programs you introduced to the workforce, noting their scope and the number of participants, to display commitment to team development.
- Mention the number of compliance audits passed or safety records achieved, to underscore your dedication to industry standards and regulations.
Action verbs for your farm manager resume
Making the most of your little to none professional experience
If you're hesitant to apply for your dream job due to limited professional experience, remember that recruiters also value the unique contributions you can offer.
Next time you doubt applying, consider this step-by-step approach for your resume's experience section:
- Rather than the standard reverse chronological order, opt for a functional-based format. This shifts the focus from your work history to your achievements and strengths;
- Include relevant internships, volunteer work, or other non-standard experiences in your farm manager resume's experience section;
- Utilize your education, qualifications, and certifications to bridge gaps in your farm manager resume experience;
- Emphasize your interpersonal skills and transferable skills from various industries. Often, recruiters seek a personality match, giving you an advantage over other candidates.
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PRO TIP
Always remember that your farm manager certifications can be quantified across different resume sections, like your experience, summary, or objective. For example, you could include concise details within the expertise bullets of how the specific certificate has improved your on-the-job performance.
Defining your unique farm manager skill set with hard skills and soft skills
In any job advertisement, a blend of specific technologies and interpersonal communication skills is typically sought after. Hard skills represent your technical expertise and indicate your job performance capacity. Soft skills, on the other hand, demonstrate how well you would integrate within the company culture.
Incorporating a balanced mix of both skill types in your farm manager resume is crucial. Here's how you can do it:
- In your resume summary or objective, incorporate up to three hard and/or soft skills. Make sure to quantify these skills with relevant or impressive achievements; less
- The skills section should list your technical know-how.
- The strengths section is an ideal place to quantify your competencies by focusing on the achievements facilitated by these skills.
Top skills for your farm manager resume:
Crop Management Software
Irrigation Systems
GPS Technology
Soil Testing Equipment
Farm Machinery Operation
Pest Management Tools
Livestock Management Systems
Data Analysis Software
Precision Agriculture Tools
Financial Management Software
Leadership
Communication
Problem Solving
Time Management
Decision Making
Teamwork
Adaptability
Critical Thinking
Conflict Resolution
Negotiation
Next, you will find information on the top technologies for farm manager professonals from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Top technologies for Farm Manager’s resume:
- Ag Leader Technology SMS Advanced
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Midwest MicroSystems Cow Sense
- SAP software
PRO TIP
If you happen to have plenty of certificates, select the ones that are most applicable and sought-after across the industry. Organize them by relevance to the role you're applying for.
Listing your education and certifications on your farm manager resume
Don't underestimate the importance of your resume education section . As it may hint at various skills (and experience) that are relevant to the job. When writing your education section:
- Include only higher education degrees with information about the institution and start/end dates
- If you're in the process of obtaining your degree, include your expected graduation date
- Consider leaving off degrees that aren't relevant to the job or industry
- Write a description of your education if it presents you with an opportunity to further showcase your achievements in a more research-focused environment
When describing your certifications on your resume, always consider their relevancy to the role. Use the same format to describe them as you would for your education. If you're wondering what the best certificates out there are for farm manager roles, check out the list below.
The top 5 certifications for your farm manager resume:
- Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) - American Society of Agronomy
- Certified Agricultural Manager (CAM) - National Society of Agronomy
- Certified farm manager (CFM) - American Society of farm managers and Rural Appraisers
- Professional Animal Scientist (PAS) - American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists
- Certified Organic Land Care Professional (COLCP) - Organic Land Care Program
The content below includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top associations for farm manager professionals.
Top US associations for a Farm Manager professional
- American Farm Bureau Federation
- American Fisheries Society
- American Horticultural Society
- American Mushroom Institute
- American Society for Horticultural Science
PRO TIP
Listing your relevant degrees or certificates on your farm manager resume is a win-win situation. Not only does it hint at your technical capabilities in the industry, but an array of soft skills, like perseverance, adaptability, and motivation.
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Writing the farm manager resume summary or objective: achievements, keywords, dreams, and more
Deciding on whether to include a resume summary or resume objective should entirely depend on your career situation.
If you have:
- Plenty of relevant achievements you'd like to bring recruiters' focus to, make use of the resume summary. Ensure each of your achievements is quantified with concrete proof (e.g. % of cases solved).
- Less applicable experience, utilize the resume objective. Within the objective include a few noteworthy, past successes, followed up by your professional dreams.
As a bonus, you could define in either your farm manager resume summary or objective what makes you the perfect candidate for the role.
Think about your unique hard and soft skills that would make your expertise even more important to the job.
These farm manager professionals have completely covered the formula for the ideal resume introduction:
Resume summaries for a farm manager job
- Seasoned farm manager with over a decade of experience in optimizing crop yields, livestock health, and farm profitability. Proficient in the latest agricultural technologies, including precision farming and sustainable practices, having consistently achieved a 20% increase in annual output through strategic management and resource allocation.
- Dynamic professional with 15 years of experience in supply chain and logistics, now seeking to transition into farm management. Skilled in operations optimization and team leadership, with a proven record of reducing costs by 30% while enhancing productivity. Keen to apply analytical skills and systemic approach to agricultural management.
- Experienced educator and curriculum developer with deep appreciation for sustainable agriculture, looking to pivot into farm management. Expertise in program coordination and stakeholder engagement, aiming to leverage pedagogical skills to foster a skilled farming team and implement impactful community-oriented farming initiatives.
- With a robust background in environmental science and 5 years of field research experience, aspiring to bring a scientific approach to the agriculture industry as a farm manager. Committed to incorporating eco-friendly farming techniques and conservational strategies that align with the global push for environmental sustainability.
- Eager to embark on a career in farm management, bringing a fresh perspective and a bachelor's degree in agricultural science. Objective includes leveraging knowledge in agronomy and resource management to enhance farm productivity while maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Highly motivated individual with a passion for agribusiness and a Master’s in Agricultural Economics, targeting a farm manager position. Objective to combine strong analytical skills and agricultural policy knowledge to enrich farm operations, drive innovation in food production, and champion economically-sound farming methodologies.
Average salary info by state in the US for farm manager professionals
Local salary info for Farm Manager.” Source: My Next Move, National Center for O*NET Development. Accessed 10/15/2024
| State | Average Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| US National Average | $83,770 |
| California (CA) | $108,230 |
| Texas (TX) | $79,060 |
| Florida (FL) | $80,710 |
| New York (NY) | $79,390 |
| Illinois (IL) | $91,220 |
| Ohio (OH) | $49,120 |
| North Carolina (NC) | $85,660 |
| Michigan (MI) | $89,590 |
Additional valuable farm manager resume sections to stand out
When assessing candidate applications, recruiters are often on the lookout for elements that go beyond meeting standard requirements and technical expertise.
This is where extra sections could play a key role in showcasing your unique skill set and personality.
Make sure to include sections dedicated to:
- How you spend your free time, outside of work. The interests resume section also goes to show your personality and transferrable skills; and may also serve to fill in gaps in your experience;
- Most innovative work. The projects resume section brings focus to what you're most proud of within the field;
- How you're able to overcome language barriers. The language resume section is always nice to have, especially if communication would be a big part of your future role;
- Industry-wide recognitions. Remember that the awards resume section should highlight your most noteworthy accolades and prizes.
Key takeaways
We've reached the end of our farm manager resume guide and hope this information has been useful. As a summary of our key points:
- Always assess the job advert for relevant requirements and integrate those buzzwords across various sections of your farm manager resume by presenting tangible metrics of success;
- Quantify your hard skills in your certificates and skills section, while your soft skills in your resume achievements section;
- Ensure you've added additional relevant experience items, such as extracurricular activities and projects you've participated in or led;
- Use both your resume experience and summary to focus on what matters the most to the role: including your technical, character, and cultural fit for the company.
