Career story

Production manager

Nigel McCartin oversees the production of 450 hectares of vegetables from ground cultivation through to harvesting the products. This includes everything from planting, disease and pest management, irrigation, weed cultivation, fertilising and spraying. "It is a very broad job so you've got to pretty well rounded," he says.

As a production manager, no two days are the same. Nigel can be doing anything from co-ordinating staff or contractors, working with the tractor or checking on the harvesting of the vegetables.

"Right now I'm heavily involved in the planting schedule for green vegetables. It's a weekly task but it's getting into a peak time so currently we're planting 120,000 broccoli plants every three days," he says.

Since leaving school, Nigel has learnt most of what he knows on the job. "I've just always enjoyed being outdoors. I'm an outdoors person and love challenges - and there's plenty of challenges with this job. I came from a farm and wanted to try different styles of farming and learn different ideas."

As a production manager, the weather adds another dimension to Nigel's job. "It can change so quickly - you have to keep an eye on things and keep an eye on the weather forecast. It's about always having your finger on the pulse seeing what's happening. It's good fun."