Tenant, plant cultivation

What does a crop farm tenant do? – Tasks and work environment

A crop farm tenant is responsible for cultivating and managing land that is not owned but leased from a landowner. The tasks include planning, sowing, maintenance, irrigation, and harvesting of various agricultural crops such as cereals, oilseeds, vegetables, or berries. The role often involves leading and coordinating seasonal workers, handling machinery and technology, and ensuring compliance with laws and environmental regulations. The work environment is mainly outdoors, with fluctuating workload depending on the season and weather conditions. Physical labor is combined with administrative tasks such as budgeting, planning, and contact with suppliers and customers.

Wage development over time

The salary level for crop farm tenants has shown a slight upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,716 SEK per month, followed by 29 958 SEK in 2023 and 30 083 SEK in 2024. These figures represent a total increase of approximately 1.2 % over the period. The development reflects a stable but relatively slow salary increase, possibly due to factors such as competition within the agricultural sector, price pressures on agricultural products, and variations in profitability across farms and regions. The lack of specific salary data for men and women makes it difficult to analyze potential gender differences in salary development. Generally, salary trends within the profession follow the overall wage trend for similar agricultural occupations.

Crop farm tenant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 083 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
• Hourly wage: 181 SEK
• Gender differences: No specific data for men or women
• Regional differences: No available data

Education and qualifications

The role of crop farm tenant requires solid knowledge in agriculture, economics, and business management. Formal education in natural resources or agriculture is often the foundation, but practical experience and knowledge of business operations are also crucial. Many tenants have additionally taken specialized courses or training in crop cultivation, environmental legislation, and machinery technology.

• High school education: Natural Resources Program, Agriculture specialization (3 years)
• Further education: Vocational colleges or university courses in agronomy, business administration, or crop cultivation
• Certifications: Pesticide application training, machinery operator licenses, and environmental certifications
• Practical experience: Long-term internships on farms or trainee programs are recommended
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in natural sciences and technology
• Tips for choosing: Combine education with practical experience and networking within the industry

Common benefits and compensations

Crop farm tenants often have access to benefits such as free housing or accommodation on the farm, access to company cars, discounts on agricultural machinery and inputs, as well as various insurance coverage options. Some tenants also have opportunities for bonuses or profit sharing based on the farm's results. Compensation for overtime and inconvenient working hours may occur during intensive periods.

Competition and challenges

The competition in the profession is influenced by factors such as the availability of leasable land, price volatility of agricultural products, and increased demands for sustainability and environmental compliance. Technological development and digitalization require new skills in machinery control and data analysis. Additionally, weather and climate variations pose significant challenges for production and economics. The future of the profession is also affected by political decisions and changes in EU support. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for driven individuals with the right skills to establish themselves and develop within the industry.

Tips for those who want to become a crop farm tenant

To succeed as a crop farm tenant, it is good to combine strong self-discipline with a genuine interest in agriculture and nature. Being proactive and able to quickly solve problems facilitates handling unexpected challenges, especially during intensive work periods. Accuracy and planning skills are important for managing finances, documentation, and long-term cultivation plans. Social skills and leadership are highly valued, as the role often involves coordinating work teams and collaborating with suppliers and customers. Finally, being flexible and prepared to adapt to new technologies, regulations, and market conditions is essential to keep the operation competitive.

Key facts about crop farm tenants

• Education level: High school diploma in natural resources recommended
• Work environment: Outdoor work with seasonal variations
• Common employment form: Own business or lease agreement
• Available jobs in the profession: 360 positions (May 2024)
• Occupational group: Cultivators of agricultural crops, fruit, and berries

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a crop farm tenant, the role can develop towards greater responsibility, such as farm manager, agricultural advisor, or owner of a larger-scale operation. Specializations within organic farming, technology, or business development are possible career paths. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that it is difficult to make precise predictions about future prospects due to limited statistical data, but the number of available jobs suggests ongoing demand for competent cultivators. The industry's development is influenced by political decisions, climate change, and technological advances, which can create new opportunities for those who are adaptable and willing to further their education.

Common questions about crop farm tenants

• What does a crop farm tenant earn?
  - The average salary is 30 083 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 181 SEK.
• What education is required to become a crop farm tenant?
  - High school education in natural resources is most common, preferably supplemented with further training or courses in crop cultivation and entrepreneurship.
• What is the work environment like for a crop farm tenant?
  - The work environment is mainly outdoors, with varying workload depending on the season and weather.
• Are there many job openings in this profession?
  - Yes, there are currently 360 available jobs according to available statistics.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Self-discipline, problem-solving skills, accuracy, and social competence are particularly important qualities.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Prognoses are uncertain due to limited data, but there is ongoing demand for competent crop farm tenants within crop cultivation.
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Possible paths include farm manager, advisor, specialization in organic farming, or running a larger-scale business.