Crop production and Irrigation Manager (Diploma in General Farming practices)

Discipline: Crop Science (Diploma in General Farming practices) (Diploma). Industry in: Agriculture – Crops (trees/plants/horticulture/sugar/rubber), years of experience range: 20 to 30 years, annual package range: British pound – GBP 130 000. Gender: Male. Ethnicity: Caucasian/White. Nationality: British.

Very successful Crop Production Manager within the sugar cane industry, having worked on several large sugar estates around the world in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Jamaica, Peru, Indonesia and Nigeria. He has an Agriculture Diploma and over 23 years’ experience in the sugar growing industry in both Middle and Senior Management positions. His management and leadership skills are exemplary; his vast experience in sugar cane growing also includes operational budget setting and short-, medium- and long-term planning. As Crop Production and Irrigation Manager he was directly responsible for the planning and execution of every aspect of sugar cane production, from land preparation through to harvesting, bulk irrigation water delivery to infield irrigation application, manpower planning and management, continually adhering to strict international health and safety standards, all with the ultimate objective of continuously improving yields and standards within given financial constraints.

“I am a bit of a perfectionist and am driven by my desire to achieve objectives in the most efficient and cost effective way possible. I love farming and have a particular feel for cattle ranching, cane farming and wildlife. I have a passion for protecting the natural environment from further worldwide degradation, whilst simultaneously promoting and improving the standards and lifestyles of those within my own organisation, but also of those communities in and around the agricultural operations.”

13 years’ experience within the cattle industry, 5 years’ mixed crops – tobacco, maize, wheat, coffee, cotton and 24 years’ experience in the sugar cane industry. 

Candidate location: United Kingdom

Home & other languages: English, Spanish

Designation: Agricultural Manager

Highest qualification type: j. Diploma

Company size: ’11 – 50

Division: General and Operations Management

Seniority level: Regional / Country / Area / General / Project Manager / Department Head

Gender: Male

Ethnicity: Caucasian/White

Nationality: British

Highest Formal Qualification:  Diploma in General Farming practices

Other Formal Qualification:    Pedigree Simmental Judge Artificial Insemination Professional Guide Cattle Management

Current / most recent job title?

Crop Production and Irrigation Manager

Primary purpose of current/most recent position:

As Crop Production and Irrigation Manager I was directly responsible for the planning and execution every aspect of sugar cane production from land preparation through to harvesting, bulk irrigation water delivery to infield irrigation application, manpower planning and management, adhering to strict international health and safety standards, all with the ultimate objective of continuously improving yields and standards within given financial constraints.

Core elements or functions that must operate effectively in order to achieve primary purpose:

Strategic long term planning
Ensure basic agricultural practices are adhered to.
Ensure health and safety standards are understood and implemented
Manpower organisational planning, training and welfare.
Set operational budgets and execute within given parameters.

Description of self, along with greater purpose and passions:

I am a bit of a perfectionist and am driven by my desire to achieve objectives in the most efficient and cost effective way possible. I love farming and have a particular feel for cattle ranching, cane farming and wildlife. I have a passion for protecting the natural environment from further worldwide degradation, whilst simultaneously promoting and improving the standards and lifestyles of those within my own organisation, but also of those communities in and around the agricultural operations.

Ideal business title: 

Agricultural Operations Manager.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities of ideal position:

Crop production and irrigation management in its entirety for sugar cane and other crops.
Cattle production, commercial beef and pedigree breeding.
Wildlife park manager.

Skill area of competence:

Sugar cane production: management, crop nutrition, diseases, irrigation, development planning and execution, financial planning, budgeting, record keeping, computer skills, land preparation, mechanical operations (harvesting, planting and land preparation)
Cattle production: Pedigree breeding, beef ranching, calf rearing, Artificial Insemination, pedigree judging, animal breeding and nutrition, veld management, feedlots,
General skills: Plumbing, building, electrical, environmental awareness, health and safety.

Career summary:

13 years Cattle
5 years mixed crops – tobacco, maize, wheat, coffee, cotton
24 years sugar cane

Where would you like to be in your career in the next 5 to 10 years, what would you like to have achieved?

Head of Agriculture in an expatriate position in either Sugar cane or other crops.
I like the satisfaction of setting up a well laid out and well managed project.

Achievements: 

As one of 2 area managers for a company in Mozambique, I was the driving force behind establishing a sensible and organised org chart and introducing the Pattison grading system. I also set out and established clear operational task based standards. Creating this sort of efficiency in the labour force saves millions. I also created the ideal environment and training that allowed local Mozambican managers to be successfully promoted into important middle management positions

In Jamaica, I raised the yields by 20 tons cane par hectare in 2 years, from 65tch to 85tch – effectively increasing revenue by about 20%.

In Peru which was a 7500ha drip irrigated estate in the desert, thanks to my insisting on doing things by the book, i planted at an unprecedented rate of 7500ha of drip irrigate cane in 3 years with the plant cane yields averaging in excess of 165 tones cane per hectare, with 1st ration coming in at 155tch. I was also able to consistently come in under my USD7 million budget year after year.

What do you absolutely love doing?

Outside of work, I am passionate about anything wild and natural, love camping, hiking and exploring.

Ideal company (culture and values):

My ideal company must be well organised, have clear objectives and be fair. Be goal and target driven, but should also place considerable emphasis on manpower welfare and environmental awareness. Of course suitable remuneration befitting the job responsibility is important, but equally so is job satisfaction.

Where would you like to be in the next 5 to 10 years: 

Head of Agriculture in an expatriate position in either Sugar cane or other crops.
I like the satisfaction of setting up a well laid out and well managed project.

Motivation to move (please select): End of contract

Location Preference: I am open to positions internationally.

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