Some Points to Consider in Managing an Integrated Farm

1. Careful planning and implementation. Proper planning prevents poor performance. A good plan will guide the manger, the supervisor, and the workers in implementing a project. Since the result of a project is based on what was planned, the plan should be carefully thought out so that the main goal of the project will be achieved. A project feasibility study should be made first to serve as a basis in preparing a workable plan. In implementing the plan, every step should be studied carefully to minimize errors and waste of time.
2. Prioritization of the components according to the required level of management. A manager of an integrated farm should always give first priority and the highest level of management to a project component that may be higher risk. In example, the farmer should put more focus in raising chicken rather than in growing mahogany trees.
3. Careful choice of types and varieties to be raised. To make the enterprise more profitable, the manager of an integrated farm should be able to choose high quality products with high market potential. Considering that the farm will be using the same time and effort for production, it is wise to raise high quality plants and animals.
4. Keeping and maintaining the farm's production records. This will help the raiser in upgrading the farm's stock and maintaining the purity of their breed. Productivity records also help the raiser trace the history of his her stock and provide ready answer to buyers asking the sources of the variety or species of plants and animals raised in the farm.
5. Observance of proper timing for planning and stocking, harvesting, and marketing in accordance with market demands.  This will ensure the market potential of the product and raise the net income. The raiser should know when there are great demands or peak season of his or her products. For example, a poultry raiser can program his or her broiler production so that the stock can be harvested and marketed during the Christmas season when the demand for poultry is high.
6. Practice force cropping whenever possible. This will ensure the raiser of high net returns because there are great demands for out of season crops and these are sold at extremely high price.
7. Strict implementation and observance of proper medication and prevention programs. It is important, therefore, that the mortality rate in the integrated farm should be kept at the lowest level. this can be achieved by preventing the introduction and infestation of pests and diseases in the stock.

Qualities of a Good Caretaker

1. Ability to plan, organize, direct, and control small or large scale production.
2. Love for plants and animals.
3. Knowledge of the nature and characteristics of the plants and animals being raised.
4. Patience and industry.
5. Good judgement.
6. Business ability.
7. Decision-making skills.
8. Ability to forecast.
9. Good public relations.