Farm managers are being urged to take part in a national survey to benchmark the professions pay and working conditions.
The survey, carried out by the Institute of Agricultural Management, is aimed not just at farm and estate managers, but also at assistant or under-managers, farm foremen and those with responsibility for individual production systems, like pig unit managers.
The last study was conducted in 2007 and revealed that farm managers were earning about £40,000, with the occupation of a house and use of a vehicle worth an additional £10,000.
Two-thirds of managers received a fixed salary, with about one-third on a salary-plus-bonus arrangement and only a few employed on a profit-sharing basis alone.
The survey also showed that employers were having to pay more to attract and maintain the best farm management staff, given the extraordinary demands made on them and the long working hours expected.
To take part in the survey, simply request a copy of the form from IAgM on
01275 843 825 or email enquiries@iagrm.org.uk |
The IAgM reckons there are about 5000 employed farm managers in the UK, excluding those in management positions but related to the farm or landowner.
Richard Clarke, chairman of the IAgM, said accurate information on farm managers working conditions would benefit managers and landowners alike. "It's quite unique - there's no one else collecting this information."
Respondents are asked to declare - confidentially - information on the farm size and enterprise mix, salary and additional, non-cash benefits they receive, as well as pension provision and their experience and qualifications.
This year's survey will collect data from the calendar year ending December 2009. Previous surveys have had about 150 respondents, but the IAgM hopes more will take part this time. "The more people take part, the more representative and the more useful the results are," said Mr Clarke.
All those taking part will receive a free copy of the final report, after the data are collated and analysed by academics at Reading University.
"It's about getting as much as possible about what farm managers do on the record. As we move towards increasingly formal recognition for agricultural professionals, we hope this survey will be a valuable benchmark," said Mr Clarke.
"It's important that the level of responsibility placed on manages is recognised, not just in terms of land area farmed, but in terms of turnover, capital investment and staff management.
"When you talk to people outside agriculture about what is expected of managers they are often shocked. It's important to get over to the rest of industry the scale and significance of businesses that farm managers oversee," said Mr Clarke.
Take part
To take part in the survey, simply request a copy of the form from IAgM on 01275 843 825 or email enquiries@iagrm.org.uk