Education:
Farmer, Rancher, or Other Agricultural Manager
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Job Outlook:
Decline
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent
Salary
High:
$139,040.00
Average:
$83,790.00
Hourly
Average:
$40.29
What they do:
Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.
On the job, you would:
- Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
- Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
- Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers monitor and assess the quality of their land or livestock.
Critical-thinking skills. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers determine how to improve their harvest and livestock while reacting to conditions that may affect their short- or long-term plans.
Initiative. Many farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers are self-employed. They must be self-motivated in order to maximize crop or livestock production.
Interpersonal skills. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers supervise laborers and other workers, so they must be able to communicate and interact with a variety of people.
Mechanical skills. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers operate complex machinery and occasionally perform routine maintenance.
Physical stamina. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers—particularly those who work on small farms—must be able to do physically strenuous, repetitive tasks, such as bending, stooping, and lifting.
Personality
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Characteristics of this Career |
|---|---|---|---|
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88% | Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. | |
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85% | Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical. | |
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80% | Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. | |
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80% | Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. | |
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80% | Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. | |
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77% | Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. | |
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75% | Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. | |
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75% | Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. | |
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75% | Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. | |
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75% | Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. | |
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74% | Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. | |
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74% | Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. | |
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74% | Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. | |
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69% | Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. | |
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67% | Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
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100% | Enterprising - Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law. | |
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87% | Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services. | |
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63% | Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Values of the Work Environment |
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70% | Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
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65% | Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
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61% | Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
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61% | Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. |
Aptitude
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
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75% | Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. | |
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75% | Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. | |
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73% | Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. | |
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70% | Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. | |
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69% | Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). | |
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67% | Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. | |
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66% | Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
Job Details
Responsibilities
Compile operational data.
Maintain operational records.
Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
Analyze financial records to improve budgeting or planning.
Determine resource needs.
Develop emergency response plans or procedures.
Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
Develop agricultural methods.
Perform manual agricultural, aquacultural, or horticultural tasks.
Prepare reports related to compliance matters.
Maintain regulatory or compliance documentation.
Inspect condition or functioning of facilities or equipment.
Perform manual service or maintenance tasks.
Maintain operational records.
Maintain personnel records.
Direct sales, marketing, or customer service activities.
Direct administrative or support services.
Direct organizational operations, projects, or services.
Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
Negotiate sales or lease agreements for products or services.
Negotiate contracts for transportation, distribution, or logistics services.
Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
Test materials, solutions, or samples.
Advise customers on technical or procedural issues.
Analyze data to inform operational decisions or activities.
Manage construction activities.
Perform manual agricultural, aquacultural, or horticultural tasks.
Evaluate quality of plants or crops.
Examine animals to detect illness, injury or other problems.
Direct activities of agricultural, forestry, or fishery employees.
Estimate labor or resource requirements for forestry, fishing, or agricultural operations.
Develop organizational policies or programs.
Direct organizational operations, projects, or services.
Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
Develop marketing plans or strategies.
Conduct employee training programs.
Supervise employees.
Hire personnel.
Monitor organizational compliance with regulations.
Monitor operational quality or safety.
Submit financial applications.
Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent |
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96% | Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? | |
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95% | Outdoors, Exposed to Weather - How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions? | |
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89% | Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? | |
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88% | Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? | |
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86% | Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? | |
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82% | Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? | |
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81% | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety - How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? | |
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80% | Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)? | |
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78% | Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? | |
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77% | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? | |
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75% | Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? | |
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75% | Outdoors, Under Cover - How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)? | |
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74% | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? | |
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72% | In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment - How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)? | |
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72% | In an Open Vehicle or Equipment - How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)? | |
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70% | Very Hot or Cold Temperatures - How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures? | |
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84% | Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Tasks & Values |
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86% | Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. | |
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81% | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. | |
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77% | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. | |
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73% | Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. | |
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73% | Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. | |
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72% | Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. | |
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71% | Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. | |
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71% | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. | |
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71% | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. | |
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70% | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. | |
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69% | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. | |
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68% | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. | |
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68% | Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. | |
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68% | Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. | |
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68% | Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. | |
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68% | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. | |
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67% | Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. | |
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67% | Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft. |
What Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers Do
Some farmers work primarily with crops and vegetables, whereas other farmers and ranchers handle livestock.
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.
Duties
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically do the following:
- Supervise all steps of crop production or ranging, including planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and herding
- Make decisions about crops or livestock by evaluating factors such as market conditions, disease, soil conditions, and the availability of federal programs
- Choose and buy supplies, such as seed, fertilizer, and farm machinery
- Maintain farming equipment
- Maintain farm facilities, such as water pipes, fences, and animal shelters
- Serve as the sales agent for crops, livestock, and dairy products
- Record financial, tax, production, and employee information
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers monitor the prices for their products. They use different strategies to protect themselves financially from unpredictable changes in the markets. For example, some farmers carefully plan the combination of crops they grow, so that if the price of one crop drops, they have enough income from another crop to make up for the loss. Farmers and ranchers also track disease and weather conditions, either or both of which may negatively impact crop yields or animal health. By planning ahead, farmers and ranchers may be able to store their crops or keep their livestock in order to take advantage of higher prices later in the year.
Some farmers choose to sell a portion of their goods directly to consumers through farmer’s markets or cooperatives to reduce their financial risk and to gain a larger share of the final price of their goods.
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers negotiate with banks and other credit lenders to get financing, because they must buy seed, livestock, and equipment before they have products to sell.
Farmers and ranchers run farms that are primarily family owned. Those who do not own the land themselves may lease it from a landowner to operate as a working farm.
The size of the farm or range determines which tasks farmers and ranchers handle. Those who run small farms or ranges may do all tasks, including harvesting and inspecting the land, growing crops, and raising animals. In addition, they keep records, service machinery, and maintain buildings.
By contrast, farmers and ranchers who run large farms generally hire others—including agricultural workers—to help with physical work. Some of the workers on large farms are in nonfarm occupations, such as truck drivers, sales representatives, bookkeepers, and information technology specialists.
Farmers and ranchers follow improvements in animal breeding methods and seed science, choosing products that may increase output. Livestock and dairy farmers monitor and attend to the health of their herds, which may include assisting in births.
Agricultural managers take care of the day-to-day operations of one or more farms, ranches, nurseries, timber tracts, greenhouses, and other agricultural establishments for corporations, farmers, and owners who do not live and work on their farm or ranch.
Agricultural managers usually do not participate directly in production activities. Instead, they hire and supervise farm and livestock workers to do most of the daily production tasks.
Managers may determine budgets and decide how to store, transport, and sell crops. They also may oversee the maintenance of equipment and property.
The following are examples of types of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers:
Crop farmers and managers are responsible for all stages of plant growth, including planting, fertilizing, watering, and harvesting crops. These farmers may grow grain, fruits, vegetables, and other crops. After a harvest, they make sure that the crops are properly packaged and stored.
Livestock, dairy, and poultry farmers, ranchers, and managers feed and care for animals, such as cows or chickens, in order to harvest meat, milk, or eggs. They keep livestock and poultry in barns, pens, and other farm buildings. These workers also may oversee animal breeding in order to maintain appropriate herd or flock size.
Nursery and greenhouse managers oversee the production of trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants (including turf) used for landscaping. In addition to applying pesticides and fertilizers to help plants grow, they often are responsible for keeping track of marketing activity and inventory.
Aquaculture farmers and managers raise fish and shellfish in ponds, floating net pens, raceways, and recirculating systems. They stock, feed, and maintain aquatic life used for food and recreational fishing.
Work Environment
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers held about 922,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers were as follows:
| Self-employed workers | 67% |
| Crop production | 19 |
| Animal production and aquaculture | 12 |
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically work outdoors but also may spend time in an office. Their work is often physically demanding.
Some farmers work primarily with crops. Other farmers and ranchers handle livestock.
Injuries and Illnesses
The work environment for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers can be hazardous. Tractors, tools, and other farm machinery and equipment can cause serious injury, and exposure to substances in pesticides and fertilizers may be harmful. These workers must operate equipment and handle chemicals properly to avoid accidents and safeguard themselves and the environment.
Work Schedules
Most farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers work full time, and many work more than 40 hours per week. Farm work is often seasonal, and the number of hours worked may change according to the season. Farmers and farm managers on crop farms usually work from sunrise to sunset during the planting and harvesting seasons. During the rest of the year, they plan the next season’s crops, market their output, and repair and maintain machinery. Managers of greenhouses, nurseries, or farms that operate in mild or temperate climates may work year round.
On livestock-producing farms and ranches, work goes on throughout the year. Animals must be fed and cared for every day.
On large farms, farmers and farm managers meet with farm supervisors. Managers who oversee several farms may divide their time between traveling to meet farmers and landowners and working in offices to plan farm operations.
Getting Started
How to Become a Farmer, Rancher, or Other Agricultural Manager
Farmers and ranchers that care for animals keep livestock in pens, barns, and other farm buildings.
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically need at least a high school diploma and work experience in a related occupation.
Education
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the occupation. As farm and land management has grown more complex, farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers may benefit from postsecondary education. Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree fields of study commonly include agriculture, natural resources, or business.
Most state university systems have at least one land-grant college or university with a school of agriculture. Programs of study include agricultural economics and business, animal science, and plant science.
There are a number of government programs that help farmers connect with farming services. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has service centers across the country that assist new farmers in accessing USDA programs. These service centers connect farmers with programs such as those that provide financing for land and capital, help with creating a business plan, and input on conservation practices.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Prospective farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers typically work as agricultural workers for several years to gain the knowledge and experience needed to run their own farm. Some gain experience while growing up on a family farm. The amount of experience needed varies with the complexity of the work and the size of the farm. Those with postsecondary education in agriculture may not need additional work experience.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
To show competency in farm management, agricultural managers may choose to complete certification programs. The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) offers the Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) credential. AFM requirements include ASFMRA coursework, a bachelor’s degree, experience in farmland management, and passing an exam. A complete list of requirements is available from ASFMRA.
Job Outlook
Employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 5 percent from 2022 to 2032.
Despite declining employment, about 88,800 openings for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Over the past several decades, increased efficiencies in crop production have led to consolidation and fewer, but larger, farms. This means that fewer farmers are needed to produce the same agricultural output. In addition, as farms become larger, they invest more in productivity-enhancing technologies, reinforcing this effect.
Despite steady demand for agricultural products, many small farms operate with slim profit margins and are vulnerable to poor market conditions. As in the past, operators of small farms will likely continue to exit the business over the decade.
Contacts for More Information
For more information about agriculture policy and farm advocacy, visit
For more information about federal resources for agriculture, visit the following websites at the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
For more information on farm manager certification, visit
American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Animal Care and Service Workers |
Animal care and service workers attend to or train animals. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $29,790 |
|
Agricultural Engineers |
Agricultural engineers solve problems concerning power supplies, machine efficiency, the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products. |
Bachelor's degree | $83,260 |
|
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians |
Agricultural and food science technicians assist agricultural and food scientists. |
Associate's degree | $46,140 |
|
Agricultural and Food Scientists |
Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. |
Bachelor's degree | $74,940 |
|
Agricultural Workers |
Agricultural workers maintain crops and tend livestock. |
See How to Become One | $33,290 |
|
Construction Equipment Operators |
Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, buildings, and other structures. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $51,050 |
|
Grounds Maintenance Workers |
Grounds maintenance workers install and maintain landscapes, prune trees or shrubs, and do other tasks to ensure that vegetation is attractive, orderly, and safe. |
See How to Become One | $36,160 |
|
Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents |
Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents. |
Bachelor's degree | $75,120 |