Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

David Slack-Smith

Narrabri,NSW

Summary

Hardworking Farm Manager bringing 40+ years of experience in handling daily farm activities. Excellent relationship-building, multitasking and organisational skills. Proficient in maintaining land, equipment and facilities in good working order.

Capable in managing multiple tasks, prioritising, working autonomously, with others and maintaining a positive attitude, demonstrating excellent problem solving abilities and reliability.

Proven leader in agricultural management, adept at enhancing crop yields and operational efficiency through innovative irrigation techniques and strategic pest control.

Excelled in team supervision and effective communication, ensuring project success and high customer satisfaction.

Developed aptitude for crop development, harvesting and business procedures resulting in profitability. Experienced with feed mixing, examining animals and reallocating resources.

Overview

45
45
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Farm Manager

Sharper Pty Ltd
01.2006 - Current

Developed virgin country for dry land crops including fodder, grain and irrigated cotton.

  • Currently managing development and cropping on 2200ha of farming country 250km south of Darwin NT,
  • Oversee all operations relating to crops, including pre-planting, planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvest and ground preparation.
  • Manage irrigation requirements to suit crops, such as timing of water, volumes and intervals.
  • Liase with agronomists, suppliers, and organise transport requirements
  • Attend to all maintenance requirements including bores, tractors, loaders and farm vehicles.
  • Establish strong relationships with suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of necessary materials at competitive prices.
  • Manage and prioritise emails, phone calls and text messages relating to daily operations of farm.
  • Reduce water waste through precise application of irrigation systems using center pivots.
  • Implement automation features in irrigation systems for increased convenience and resource conservation.
  • Design custom irrigation systems tailored to specific crop requirements, promoting maximum yield potentials.
  • Implement pest control programs to minimize crop damage while adhering to environmental regulations.
  • Collaborate closely with agronomists to make informed decisions about planting schedules, seed selection, nutrient management plans, and other vital aspects of crop production optimization.
  • Perform repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment and property.
  • Set up and manage plant irrigation systems to maintain optimal flows to different types of plants.
  • Inspect and repair equipment for crop management.
  • Coordinated with other team members during installations or repair work, ensuring tasks were completed efficiently and safely.
  • Used effective weed control methods, promoting plant growth.
  • Assisted with maintenance and installation of irrigation equipment.

Warehouse Manager

ITC Peter Briggs
07.2015 - 06.2021
  • Conducted periodic audits of inventory levels to ensure accuracy, identifying discrepancies for swift resolution.
  • Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing strict adherence to OH&S guidelines and company policies.
  • Evaluated incoming shipments for quality issues and processed unacceptable materials for return.
  • Oversaw upkeep of equipment and physical condition of warehouse, identifying and ordering needed repairs, renovations, and replacements.
  • Kept documentation and records accurate and up-to-date with latest data to prevent errors in processing or delivery.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction through timely order fulfillment and accurate inventory tracking.

Farm Supervisor

Cockatoo - Sharper Pty Ltd
07.2006 - 06.2015
  • Increased farm efficiency by overseeing maintenance and repair of equipment, ensuring minimal downtime.
  • Worked on cultivation plans for crop production operations.
  • Planned schedule for crop rotation, plantings, and harvest.
  • Developed advanced understanding of farm operations, purchasing needs, and labor requirements.
  • Purchased supplies such as seed, pesticides, and fertiliser.
  • Improved crop yield by implementing efficient irrigation systems and optimising fertilisation schedules.
  • Maintained and repaired various farming equipment.
  • Implemented pest control measures to minimize damage to crops and preserve overall farm productivity.

Irrigation and Dryland Surveyor

Peter Mahaffey
01.1999 - 06.2006
  • Performed field calculations to complete assessments.
  • Collaborated with engineers, architects, and construction professionals to ensure accurate information was incorporated into designs.
  • Utilized GPS technology for efficient data collection, expediting the completion of fieldwork assignments.
  • Assessed individual survey project needs and planned workflows.

Spray Rig Operator

Gray Spray
02.1994 - 12.1998
  • Operated top-of-the-line equipment while adhering to safety procedures and effectively generated results.
  • Demonstrated effective communication skills through positive interactions with site managers, outside contractors and junior on-site staff.
  • Established strong relationships with clients to ensure satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

2IC Manager

Wire Lagoon Pty Ptd - Bruce Mackay
01.1988 - 12.1993
  • Enhanced crop yield by utilizing advanced growing practices and maintaining optimal environmental conditions.
  • Ensured high-quality produce with meticulous attention to harvest timing and post-harvest handling procedures.
  • Implemented soil amendments, improving soil structure, fertility, and overall plant health.
  • Optimized plant growth by implementing effective irrigation and nutrient management techniques.
  • Regulated watering and fertilizing to avoid waste while nurturing plants.
  • Used effective weed control methods, promoting plant growth.

Farm Hand - Cotton, Wheat and Livestock

Sunnyside - Family Farm
01.1980 - 12.1987
  • Assisted in the construction or repair of fences, barns, sheds, or other infrastructure necessary for successful farm operation.
  • Operated various farm machinery including tractors, ploughs, and balers for efficient land cultivation and crop production.
  • Carried out daily farm tasks such as feeding animals, drenching, shearing, and cleaning pens to ensure animal health and welfare.
  • Performed regular maintenance to keep farm equipment in safe working order.
  • Supported successful harvests through diligent planting and weeding.
  • Used grease guns, oils and lubricates and adjust farm equipment.
  • Enhanced crop yields by implementing efficient irrigation techniques and proper fertilization methods.
  • Optimized farm resources usage by rotating crops based on soil quality assessments and nutrient requirements of each plant species.
  • Safeguarded the health of crops and livestock through strict adherence to biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks or contamination risks from outside sources.

Skills

  • Farm Operations
  • Farm Equipment Operation
  • Performance Management
  • Livestock Management
  • Equipment Operation
  • Fertilizer Application
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Supply Ordering
  • Crop Rotation
  • Crop Inspection
  • Controlling Pests
  • Crop Management
  • Insecticides Application
  • Pest Control
  • Seed Purchasing
  • Customer Relations
  • Overseeing Employees
  • Irrigation System
  • Troubleshooting Skills
  • Harvesting Protocols
  • Crop Irrigation
  • Coordinating Maintenance
  • Team Supervision
  • Chemical Application
  • Soil Preparation
  • Parasite Control
  • Crop Cultivation
  • Decision-Making
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Problem-Solving
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving Abilities
  • Multitasking
  • Reliability
  • Effective Communication
  • Active Listening

Certification

Current Chemical Certificate

- Transport and store chemicals

- Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds and diseases


Current NSW HRR Drivers Licence


Previously held - Forkflit and Dogman ticket

Timeline

Warehouse Manager

ITC Peter Briggs
07.2015 - 06.2021

Farm Supervisor

Cockatoo - Sharper Pty Ltd
07.2006 - 06.2015

Farm Manager

Sharper Pty Ltd
01.2006 - Current

Irrigation and Dryland Surveyor

Peter Mahaffey
01.1999 - 06.2006

Spray Rig Operator

Gray Spray
02.1994 - 12.1998

2IC Manager

Wire Lagoon Pty Ptd - Bruce Mackay
01.1988 - 12.1993

Farm Hand - Cotton, Wheat and Livestock

Sunnyside - Family Farm
01.1980 - 12.1987

Current Chemical Certificate

- Transport and store chemicals

- Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds and diseases


Current NSW HRR Drivers Licence


Previously held - Forkflit and Dogman ticket

David Slack-Smith