Protected Cropping Grower

27 September 2021

Jennifer Hulme

Family Fresh Farms, NSW

HILA Employment Category: Protected Cropping Grower

Protected Cropping Growers are currently in high demand, they oversee the production of horticultural crops in a protected environment such as a greenhouse or tunnel. The benefit of protected cropping is that it provides a controlled environment for growers to produce all year round. It also improves plant growth by providing the most ideal environment which helps prevents crop loss. Jennifer’s work as a protected cropping grower at Family Fresh Farms in Peats Ridge, NSW, is fast paced and mostly hands on with some computer work. Along with supervising and organising teams, she helps to plan and coordinate all activities involved in crop production, from soil preparation to harvesting.

Core tasks

Planning and coordinating the production and marketing of crops, 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 dispatch 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
Establish and monitor hydroponic crops
Plan a growing-on program
Plan a propagation program
Develop a horticultural production plan
Identify risk and apply risk management processes
Monitor the implementation of quality and food safety programs.