Operations manager, agriculture, other animal breeders

What does a Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager is responsible for leading, coordinating, and developing operations at an agricultural facility focused on animal husbandry. The role involves planning daily activities, ensuring animal welfare, managing staff, and handling work environment issues. Tasks often include resource planning, quality control, developing routines, and liaising with suppliers and authorities. The work environment can be both outdoors and indoors, with a high level of responsibility for animals and staff. Flexibility is often required, as working hours may vary depending on season and animal needs.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager has shown variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,000 SEK per month. It increased to 27 800 SEK in 2023, representing an approximate 11.2 % increase. The following year, 2024, the average salary decreased slightly to 26 300 SEK, a decline of about 5.4 % compared to the previous year. This trend can partly be explained by changes in labor market demand, differences in education and experience among professionals, and market factors such as economic fluctuations and changing production conditions affecting agriculture.

Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 26 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,100 SEK/month (woman, high school education)
• Highest salary: 28,000 SEK/month (woman, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 158 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn an average of 26 300 SEK/month; highest for women is 28,000 SEK, lowest 25,400 SEK for men.
• Regional differences: Data is lacking, but variations may occur depending on region and type of farm operation.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager, a combination of practical experience and formal education is usually required. Many have completed the natural resource management program at high school, often with a focus on animal husbandry or agriculture, supplemented with post-secondary studies. Courses in leadership, work environment, and animal health are also common. Practical experience in agriculture or animal husbandry is often crucial for success in the role.

• High school education: Natural resource management program, 3 years
• Post-secondary education: Vocational college or university, 2–3 years (advantageous)
• Courses/certificates: Leadership, work environment, animal health
• Internship: Often requires extensive practical training or work experience in agriculture
• Prerequisites: Experience in animal husbandry and farm management is highly advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Managers are often offered benefits such as work clothing, wellness allowances, and sometimes housing on or near the workplace. Other common benefits include company cars, training opportunities, and flexible working hours depending on seasonal variations and operational needs.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager varies by region and employer size. With a limited number of positions at larger farms or facilities, leadership experience and specialist knowledge are often required to stand out. Digitalization and increased automation demand higher technical understanding and adaptability. The role can be physically and mentally demanding, especially during busy periods such as calving or harvest. At the same time, the role offers development opportunities for those engaged and willing to take responsibility for both animals and operations.

Tips for aspiring Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Managers

To succeed as a Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager, being proactive and confident in leadership is beneficial, as tasks often involve quick decision-making and leading others. Good organizational skills help in planning and prioritizing in a dynamic environment. A communicative personality facilitates collaboration with staff and external contacts, while an interest in animals and technology provides a solid foundation for understanding the entire operation. For those curious and eager to continue learning, there are good opportunities to grow within the profession, especially when combining practical experience with formal education. Demonstrating responsibility and engagement in daily work is crucial for building trust and securing the long-term development of the operation.

Key facts about Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Managers

• Educational level: High school or post-secondary education in agriculture/animal husbandry
• Work environment: Varied, both outdoor and indoor, often physically demanding
• Employment type: Usually permanent full-time positions
• Demand: Approximately 360 job openings in Sweden
• Special skills: Leadership, animal husbandry, technology, and work environment management

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager, opportunities include advancing to general manager, consulting in animal husbandry, or starting your own farm. Skills in digitalization, sustainability, and work environment are highly valued and can give an edge in the job market. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand remains relatively stable, with 360 job openings in the profession. The need for experienced leaders is expected to persist, especially as the agricultural sector modernizes and generational transitions occur. There are also opportunities to specialize in organic production or animal welfare.

Frequently asked questions about Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Managers

• What does a Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager earn?
  - A Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager earns an average of 26 300 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development looked for a Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager?
  - Salary development has varied, with an increase to 27 800 SEK in 2023 and a decrease to 26 300 SEK in 2024.
• What education is required to become a Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager?
  - Usually, a high school education in natural resource management and post-secondary studies along with practical experience are required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, among women the average salary is 26 300 SEK; highest for women is 28,000 SEK, and for men 27,500 SEK.
• What are the job responsibilities of a Farm and Animal Husbandry Operations Manager?
  - Responsibilities include personnel management, planning operations, and ensuring animal welfare.
• How many job openings are there in this profession?
  - Approximately 360 job openings in Sweden.
• What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Opportunities include moving to general management, consulting, or starting your own farm.