(a) State three functions of a farm manager. [3 marks]
(b) Explain the following terms as used in agricultural economics: (i) appreciation (ii) salvage value (iii) farm budget (iv) farm inventory [8 marks]
(c) State five qualities of a good agricultural extension agent. [5 marks]
Explanation
(a) Functions of a farm manager
-Marketing functions (e.g. quantity of produce to sell and price )
-Short and long term decision making
-Planning of operations
-Organizing
-Directing/leading
-Supervising
-Coordinating
-Evaluating/Monitoring •
-Budgeting
-Ensures adequate record keeping
-Staffing (recruitment, training, motivation, fixing salaries)
(b) Explanation of terms used in Agricultural Economics
(i) Appreciation: – Is the increase in the value of asset overtime
– Young animals, growing crops, lactating animals, cash crops and land can all appreciate in value over time.
(ii) Salvage value: – This is the amount of money received from the disposal of fixed assets after their normal useful life. •
-An asset may depreciate to an extent that it attracts little value.
– When there is uneconomic value on an asset, it is termed obsolete and therefore sold off as scrap
– Assets like machinery, motor vehicle, equipment and implements which depreciate can have salvage value.
(iii) Farm budget
– This is the estimated future income and expenditure of farm operations.
-The budgeting technique helps the farmer to select the most profitable plan from among competitive alternative plans
-It also helps to check the profitability of any economic change in farm plan
(iv) Farm inventory
-It is the listing of all assets on the farm and their money worth
-This is normally carried out at the close of farming season and at the beginning of farming season
-The inventory book will show details such as quantity of item, date of purchase, price and other useful information.
(c) Qualities of a good agricultural extension agent
- Originality in thought, word and action
- He must be a good listener
- Must be patient with the people
- Must be honest and transparent
- Must be able to take steps without being directed
- Must be able to organize and implement programmes
- Must be able to offer clear judgement in all issues
- Must stay clear of local politics
- Must know and respect the culture of the people
- Must be a good mixer
- Good knowledge of the subject matter
- Must be able to speak the language of the people
- Must be a good communicator
- He must be friendly
- Exemplary leader
- Must be able to solve problems as they arise