Operations manager, agriculture, poultry farming

What does a farm manager in agriculture – poultry farming do? Tasks and work environment

A farm manager specializing in poultry farming is responsible for the entire operation of poultry breeding, such as chickens, chicks, and turkeys. Tasks include planning and managing production, personnel responsibility, ensuring animal health and disease control, as well as quality control and documentation according to legal requirements. Often, financial follow-up, purchasing feed and materials, and contact with authorities and suppliers are included. The work environment is varied – both administrative work in an office and practical work in the barn are involved, requiring flexibility, leadership, and the ability to handle rapid changes.

Salary development over time

The salary for a farm manager in agriculture and poultry breeding has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK, which increased to 28 400 SEK in 2023 and has remained at the same level in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of about 4.4% between 2022 and 2023, after which the salary has been unchanged. This development reflects a relatively stable demand for the role, with the industry characterized by recruitment challenges but also many part-time employees. Salary increases can be linked to increased specialization and leadership requirements, as well as the general wage adjustments in the agricultural sector.

Farm Manager, agriculture, poultry farming salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 32,500 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 171 SEK
• Women: 27 800 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
• Men: 29,700 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a farm manager in agriculture and poultry farming, a high school education in natural resource use is usually required, often with a focus on animal husbandry or agriculture. Practical experience from the industry is highly valued, and supplementary courses in management, economics, and animal health are often advantageous. Many future farm managers start their careers as animal caretakers or supervisors before advancing to managerial positions.

• High school education: Natural resource program, 3 years
• Experience: Practical work experience from agriculture or poultry breeding
• Supplementary courses: Leadership, animal health, work environment, and economics
• Certifications: Basic animal handling certificates and any special permits
• Pre-knowledge: Interest in animals, technology, and management

Common benefits and compensations

Farm managers in agriculture and poultry breeding are often offered benefits such as work clothes, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training. Company cars are sometimes provided, especially on larger farms, and flexible working hours and opportunities for skill development in animal husbandry and leadership are common.

Competition and challenges

The profession of farm manager in agriculture – poultry farming has a high demand for qualified personnel, but the recruitment situation is characterized by difficulties in finding the right skills. Many work part-time, which can affect the workload for farm managers and create additional personnel planning challenges. The industry is also dependent on strict animal welfare legislation and rapid changes in market conditions, requiring flexibility and continuous updating of knowledge. Technological advances and digitalization impose new demands on leadership and the ability to implement modern solutions. At the same time, there is a paradox in the labor market: despite many job openings, it is difficult to find people willing to work full-time and take responsibility for the entire operation.

Tips for those who want to become a farm manager in agriculture – poultry farming

To succeed as a farm manager in agriculture and poultry farming, it is beneficial to have a strong sense of responsibility and good organizational skills, as the role requires effective planning and leadership of production. Being solution-oriented is important, as unexpected situations often arise in animal husbandry and require quick decisions. Leadership skills and communication ability are crucial for motivating and coordinating staff, especially when prioritizing different tasks. Engagement for animal welfare and meticulousness in daily work are also central, as the farm manager bears ultimate responsibility for animal health and production results. Flexibility and a willingness to further educate oneself in both technology and animal husbandry provide competitive advantages. Building networks within the industry and participating in industry meetings can also be valuable for those looking to advance.

Key facts about Farm Manager, agriculture, poultry farming

• Education level: High school education, often supplemented with courses
• Work environment: Combination of barn and office
• Employment type: Commonly full-time and part-time positions
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, but recruitment challenges
• Special skills: Animal health, leadership, disease control

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience as a farm manager in agriculture and poultry breeding, opportunities may exist to advance to larger responsibilities, such as production manager within a larger organization or as an advisor in animal husbandry and agriculture. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the prospects for employment nationwide are high, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, recruitment difficulties are common, especially due to part-time work and a lack of people with the right skills. The industry has many job openings – the latest survey reported 360 available positions. The future looks stable, but technological development and increased sustainability requirements may eventually change the role's content and skill requirements.

Frequently asked questions about Farm Manager, agriculture, poultry farming

• What does a Farm Manager, agriculture, earn?
  - The average salary is 28 400 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and employer.
• What education is required to become a farm manager in poultry farming?
  - High school education in natural resource use is most common, preferably complemented with courses in animal health, leadership, and economics.
• Are there many job openings in the profession?
  - Yes, there are approximately 360 job openings according to the latest statistics.
• What is the work environment like for a farm manager in agriculture?
  - The work environment varies between stables, farm settings, and offices, with responsibility for both staff and animals.
• What qualities are important for the profession?
  - Organizational skills, leadership, flexibility, and interest in animals and technology are central qualities.
• How has salary development evolved over time?
  - Salary development has been stable in recent years, with an increase of about 4.4% between 2022 and 2023, followed by a steady level.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do in the profession.