Farm Crops Manager –
Trevaskis Farm Overview
Trevaskis Farm is a long-established, family-run farm with over 45 years of “farm to fork” heritage, combining commercial crop production with a thriving farm park, retail market, butchery, and restaurant.
We are seeking an experienced and driven Farm Crops Manager to oversee our diverse horticultural operation across a 30-acre site. This is a hands-on, physically demanding leadership role managing a wide range of crops grown both in open field and protected environments, alongside a popular Pick Your Own (PYO) enterprise where visitors engage directly with the farm.
The Role
You will take responsibility for the planning, production, and day-to-day management of an intensive and varied cropping system, with a strong focus on soft fruit production—particularly strawberries for both retail and PYO customers.
The farm includes over 30 polytunnels dedicated to intensive fruit growing, alongside field crops, orchards, and vegetable production. You will also lead and manage a small team (typically 2–3 staff, increasing to up to 10 during peak periods such as planting and harvest).
Key Responsibilities
Crop Production & Planning
- Oversee crop production across a 30-acre mixed horticultural system
- Manage intensive fruit production within 30+ polytunnels
- Lead strawberry production including:
- Table-top gutter systems
- Grow bag cultivation
- Drip irrigation systems
- Deliver seasonal planting programmes, including:
- Annual planting of approx. 50,000 cold-stored strawberry plants
- Managing a two-year cropping system
Crop Diversity Management
- Oversee a wide range of crops including:
- Soft fruits: strawberries, raspberries, hybrid berries, bush fruits
- Orchard fruits: plums, cherries, apples
- Vegetables and salads: tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce
- Field crops: legumes and brassicas
- Ensure crops are maintained to a high standard for both retail sale and PYO experience
Farm Operations
- Manage irrigation systems and water usage efficiently
- Conduct crop monitoring for pests, disease, and overall plant health
- Carry out and oversee seasonal tasks including:
- Winter pruning
- General farm maintenance
- Maintain and repair farm machinery and equipment where required
Team Leadership
- Lead, organise, and motivate a team of 2–10 staff, depending on season
- Plan workloads during peak planting and harvesting periods
- Provide on-the-job training and support team development
PYO & Public Environment
- Ensure safe and efficient production within an open farm park setting
- Maintain crop presentation and accessibility for visitors
- Support a positive customer experience where the public can freely pick crops
Wider Farm Support
- Assist in broader farm operations when required, including:
- Grassland management
- Livestock support
- Contribute to the overall success of the farm’s integrated farm, shop, and restaurant offering
Skills & Experience
- Essential: Proven experience in farming or horticulture
- Strong knowledge of crop production systems, particularly soft fruit
- Experience with irrigation systems and intensive growing methods
- Mechanical aptitude for machinery maintenance and repair
- Ability to work physically and outdoors in all conditions
- Experience managing or supervising a team
- Good organisational and problem-solving skills
- Basic numeracy for planning, yields, and input calculations
- Positive, proactive, and adaptable approach
Qualifications (Desirable but Not Essential)
- PA1 / PA2 pesticide application certificates
- ATV / UTV operation training
- Forklift licence
- Telehandler licence
(Training can be provided for suitable candidates where required.)
What We Offer
- A key role in a well-established, diverse farm business
- Opportunity to work across a unique mix of:
- Intensive polytunnel production
- Open-field crops and orchards
- Customer-facing PYO systems
- Hands-on involvement in a true farm-to-fork operation
- Training and development in specialist areas where required
- A supportive and passionate team environment
The salary range invites a range of experience. Training and support available offering growth opportunities. Above all a farming background and a passion for growing is essential.
Pay: £28,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
