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Farmer - Plant production
There are many types of farmers - crop, poultry, vegetable, etc. A farmer should enjoy working outside, and be patient, persistent and self-motivated. Flexibility and problem solving skills are useful, and skills such as driving, mechanical skills and aptitude and accounting. An entrepreneurial flair is important. A farmer must keep up with the latest methods and research in his field of production, and for a farmer in plant production, whether fruit or vegetables or crops, knowledge of market tendencies is crucial.
TASKS:
- studying the land and deciding what crop(s) to plant
- buying seed and fertiliser
- ensuring machinery is in order, or buying new ones if necessary
- employing, training and supervising farm workers
- ploughing, mulching and doing whatever else necessary to prepare the land for planting
- planting seeds, seedlings, trees, vines, etc.
- watering crops and/or creating irrigation systems
- weeding and treating crops for disease
- harvesting crops
- transporting and storing crops; sometimes value-adding activities are performed on-farm, e.g. drying (fruit) or preservation (olives)
- selling crops
- maintaining financial records
Some study options:
B. Agric - three year graduate qualification - Cape Institute for Agricultural Training: Elsenburg
B. Sc Agriculture - three year graduate qualification - University of Stellenbosch Faculty for Agri-Sciences.
National Diploma: Agriculture - Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Source:
Western Cape Department of Agriculture
Useful Information
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Career Snapshot Farmer - Plant production |
In Demand
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Qualification Required |
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Work Outdoors |
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Maths Required |
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Science Required |
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This is a general guide - it is important to check admission requirements with the various training institutions first because entry requirements may vary.
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