Crop Farmers

Crop Farmers plan, organise, control, coordinate and perform farming operations to grow crops.

Most occupations in this unit group typically require a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

• planning and coordinating the production and marketing of crops, such as grain, cotton, sugar cane, fruit and nuts, vegetables, turf and flowers, from soil preparation to harvest taking into account environmental and market factors
• selecting and planting seeds, seedlings and bulbs, and grafting new varieties to root stocks
• maintaining crop production by cultivating, de-budding and pruning, and maintaining optimal growing conditions
• organising and conducting farming operations, such as collecting, storing, grading and packaging produce, and organising the sale, purchase and despatch of produce
• directing and overseeing general farming activities such as fertilising and pest and weed control
• maintaining farm buildings, fences, equipment and water supply systems
• maintaining and evaluating records of farming activities, monitoring market activity, and planning crop preparation and production to meet contract requirements and market demand
• managing business capital including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management
• may select, train and supervise staff and contractors

Occupations:

• Cotton Grower 
• Flower Grower 
• Fruit or Nut Grower 
• Grain, Oilseed or Pasture Grower (Aus) / Field Crop Grower (NZ) 
• Grape Grower 
• Mixed Crop Farmer 
• Sugar Cane Grower 
• Turf Grower 
• Vegetable Grower (Aus) / Market Gardener (NZ) 
• Crop Farmers nec

Cotton Grower

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to grow cotton.

Flower Grower

Alternative Title:

• Floriculturist

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs planting, cultivating and harvesting activities to grow flowering and foliage plants.

Specialisation:

• Market Gardener (Flowers) (Aus)

Fruit Or Nut Grower

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to grow fruit and nuts.

Specialisations:

• Market Gardener (Fruit) (Aus) 
• Olive Grower 
• Orchardist

Grain, Oilseed Or Pasture Grower (Aus) / Field Crop Grower (Nz)

Alternative Title:

• Grain, Oilseed or Pasture Farm Manager (Aus)

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to grow grain, oilseed, protein and pasture crops.

Specialisations:

• Lucerne Farmer 
• Soybean Grower (Aus) 
• Wheat Farmer

Grape Grower

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to grow table or wine grapes.

Specialisation:

• Viticulturist

Mixed Crop Farmer

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to grow a variety of crops.

Sugar Cane Grower

Alternative Title:

• Sugar Cane Farm Manager

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to grow sugar cane.

Turf Grower

Alternative Title:

• Turf Farmer

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to grow turf.

Vegetable Grower (Aus) / Market Gardener (Nz)

Alternative Title:

• Vegetable Farm Manager

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming, greenhouse and market garden operations to grow vegetables.

Specialisation:

• Market Gardener (Vegetables) (Aus)

Crop Farmers Nec

This occupation group covers Crop Farmers not elsewhere classified.

Occupations in this group include:

• Coffee Grower (Aus) 
• Ginger Farmer 
• Hop Farmer 
• Mushroom Farmer
• Tea Tree Farmer 
• Tree Farmer