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On Farms

Harvest Manager

Core tasks

  • Manage planting, irrigation, and crop nutrition.
  • Supervise staff and daily farm operations.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
  • Coordinate harvesting, packaging, and transportation.
  • Develop and implement efficient farm processes.

The Career Pathways

Harvest managers oversee crop production, from seeding to harvest and processing. They ensure efficient farm operations, liaise with business partners, and maintain quality assurance standards. This role involves both hands-on farming and management responsibilities.

Diploma of Horticulture

Diploma of Production Horticulture

Certificate III in Horticulture

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management

Harvest Manager, Dicky Bill, VIC

Meet Vishnu

Q&A with Vishnu Gaddy

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I never set out to be in agriculture—fate had other plans. What began as a mere chance turned into a relentless pursuit of knowledge, taking me across borders and through the ever-evolving landscapes of modern farming.

From the controllable farming to raw unpredictability of open fields, I’ve learned to master both worlds. Now, as Harvest Manager at Dicky Bill, I don’t just grow crops—I command the rhythm of the harvest, ensuring every leaf reaches to its full potential. In this world, timing is everything, and I make sure we never miss a beat.

What does your role as Harvest Manager entail?

I take full accountability for all leaf and herb crops, overseeing every stage from planting to harvest. I develop and implement hand-harvest plans that maximize efficiency and meet sales orders for crops like iceberg and cos lettuce. I coordinate and manage harvest teams and seasonal staff, ensuring effective execution of tasks while monitoring crop forecasts, yields, and quality metrics. I collaborate closely with QA, factory managers, and agronomists to maintain crop health and adhere to safety and quality standards. I also manage budgets, adopt innovative practices, and promptly escalate issues to ensure a consistent supply.

What was your career progression like?

I Always had a passion for science and once envisioned a future in medicine. But fate led me into agriculture—not by choice, but by chance. What started as an unexpected path soon turned into a deep fascination. During my bachelor's, I became captivated by agricultural technology and its evolving systems.

My curiosity extended beyond borders, driving me to explore global agricultural practices. This pursuit led me abroad, where I worked as a grower in a hydroponic glasshouse, mastering Priva systems and gaining hands-on experience in pest and disease management.

Yet, I felt a growing urge to push beyond controlled environments and into open-field agriculture—where nature dictates the rules. Determined to expand my expertise, I embraced the challenges of large-scale farming, seeking to adapt, innovate, and contribute to the future of agriculture. My journey is one of continuous learning, evolution, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.

Do you enjoy working in the horticulture industry?

At first, it wasn’t about love or passion, but about embracing the challenge. Over time, I learned to give my all, adapting, growing, and pushing limits. Transitioning glasshouse to open fields tested me, but I saw it as evolution, not struggle. Managing people? A battlefield of its own, but one that sharpened my resilience. This industry doesn’t just teach farming—it forges independence, grit, and unwavering determination. The journey is tough, but I know I’m on the right path, striving to master every challenge thrown my way.

On Farms

Watch the interview

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