Direct message the job poster from Deepdale Farm
Organic arable farmer committed to regenerative nature friendly farming practices | Experienced commercial, strategic and partnership manager
To manage the farming activity and farm assets in line with Deepdale Farm’s mission and goals. This includes the planning and operational work involved in growing, processing and selling of crops. Compliance with applicable government schemes, as well as external certifications including our organic status. All whilst supporting biodiversity and soil health.
Key accountabilities
* Manage and carry out the cropping rotation including the planning, growing, processing and sales, using external advice where required, to maximise yields and quality
* Manage and optimise the success of environmental stewardship options through thorough planning and necessary operations throughout the year
* Responsible for record keeping of field work for the purposes of accounts and certification
* Maintain all machinery and farm buildings
* Manage and work alongside other agricultural workers to complete jobs effectively and efficiently
* Recruit and manage any contractors required for work which cannot be carried out by the farm team
* Prepare and present budgets and financial forecasting for the partners to ensure enterprise margins and cash flow forecasts are understood
* Keep abreast of fast changing agricultural policy and programmes such as SFI/CS, productivity grant schemes etc and proactively plan with the partners to maximise opportunities for the farm
* Assist with the application of schemes and subsidies
* Input to team meetings, leading on agricultural aspects
* Manage compliance on the farm including for Red Tractor and Organic statuses, risk assessments and processes
* Monitor soil health and ensure practices are optimising the farm’s principal asset
* Assist in the recording of biodiversity on the farm and where necessary provide infrastructure or programmes to maximise support of species
* Provide support with the implementation of the woodland management plan, to produce a healthy ecosystem and maximise the use or value of any products
* Engage with and utilise organisations such as our local cluster group (NNCG), Norfolk FWAG, Nature Friendly Farming Network and Organic Arable, to provide experience on best practice, funding and collaborative opportunities
* Monitor and deal with pests
* Build and maintain external relationships that benefit Deepdale Farm’s mission and goals
* Contribute to farm communications, marketing and PR
* Be willing to learn about, embrace and implement new farming techniques such as agroforestry
* Facilitate volunteer sessions and external visitors to the farm
Whilst core hours of a normal working week are expected, there will be occasions when unsocial hours, weekends/Bank Holiday working will be needed.
Knowledge and skills required
* A commitment to regenerative agriculture
* Solid experience of arable farming operations, this is a hands-on field work role, as well as managerial
* Ideally organic experience, although not essential as long as you are willing to embrace it, and learn best practice
* Good awareness of farming policy, news and discussions over the future of the industry
* An appreciation of the importance of biodiversity
* An understanding of soil health and the importance of this to the success of the farm
* Proven communication skills both internally and externally
* Ability to be proactive and show initiative
* Proven organisational skills
* Sense of humour
* An ability to think creatively, deal with problems, embrace future possibilities and manage change
* Willing to attend off farm technical and personal development sessions
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
* Industries: Farming
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