Farmer/Farm Manager
Farmers and farm managers, also known as farm operators and agricultural managers, play a vital role in food production, overseeing the cultivation of crops and the care of livestock. They manage agricultural operations across various settings, including farms, nurseries, ranches, and greenhouses, ensuring both the financial and physical well-being of their enterprises. Daily tasks can vary significantly based on specialization—ranging from planting and harvesting crops to managing breeding and care for animals—while also involving sales and marketing efforts for their products.
The profession requires a combination of physical stamina and strong organizational skills, as farmers often work long hours, particularly during peak seasons. Education for this role typically includes a high school diploma, with many aspiring farmers pursuing further studies in agriculture to enhance their knowledge and career prospects. While the job market shows a slight decline in employment opportunities, the median earnings for farmers and farm managers are approximately $83,770 per year, reflecting the importance of this profession.
Additionally, modern farmers increasingly rely on technology, using machinery and software for efficient farm management. The profession is characterized by a strong connection to the land and a commitment to sustainable practices, with some farmers adopting organic methods to minimize environmental impact. Overall, farmers and farm managers are essential to the agriculture industry, balancing production needs with business acumen and environmental stewardship.
Farmer/Farm Manager
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Business, Management & Administration
Interests: Agriculture, business practices, being outside, working independently
Earnings (Yearly Median): $83,770 per year $40.27 per hour
Employment & Outlook: -5% (Decline)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience 5 years or more
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Farmers and farm managers, also called farm operators and agricultural managers, grow food for personal consumption and for wholesale and retail consumers. Farmers and farm managers oversee agricultural production and financial operations at farms, nurseries, ranches, and greenhouses. Farmers and farm managers grow crops, livestock, poultry, and aquatic animals. Although specific tasks vary by type of agricultural work, all farmers and farm managers are responsible for ensuring the care of crops and animals from conception to market. Farmers often perform the hands-on labor of planting, cultivating, operating farm machinery, harvesting, and marketing and selling crops and animals. Farm managers hire, train, and supervise farm staff to complete these tasks.
Work Environment. Farmers and farm managers work in farms, nurseries, ranches, and greenhouses that they own or lease. Farmers and farm managers do not have set work hours and instead must work until tasks are complete. Crop farm work is seasonal. During non-growing seasons, crop farmers and farm managers focus on repairing farm machinery, planning next year’s crops, and marketing and selling efforts. Animal farmers and farm managers work steadily throughout the year to care for their livestock, poultry, and aquatic animals.
Occupation Interest. Individuals attracted to the farming profession tend to be physically strong and detail-oriented people. Successful farmers and farm managers exhibit stamina, resilience, organizational abilities, integrity and ethics, independence, and effective time management. Business acumen and familiarity with computer technology are becoming increasingly advantageous. Farmers and farm managers should enjoy physical labor and have a strong background in agriculture and business.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Farmers and farm managers perform different daily occupational duties and responsibilities depending on their specialization and work environment. They may specialize in the production of crops, beef, poultry, pork, dairy, or aquaculture.
On crop farms, farmers and farm managers oversee activities related to the planting, tending, and harvesting of crops. These tasks may include preparing soil and managing its nutrient levels, using natural or chemical methods to eliminate pests, irrigating and draining fields, weather forecasting, and storing fuels and chemicals. Crop farmers and farm managers promote and sell crops to distributors and food-processing companies, retail customers in farmer's markets or farm stands, or shareholders in a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.
Animal farmers and farm managers oversee meat production operations. They raise beef cattle, chickens, turkeys, ducks, game birds, goats, or pigs. Animal farmers and farm managers must ensure proper breeding and birthing and feeding, housing, transportation, and slaughtering. Those who work with beef cattle and pigs medicate and vaccinate the animals as needed. On poultry farms, they also manage the hatchery, establish egg or meat-bird production efforts, adjust the lighting in poultry buildings to promote molting or egg laying, and match stock size to seasonal demand. All animal farmers and farm managers are responsible for promoting and selling meat products.
Dairy farmers and farm managers direct tasks related to the production, collection, and sale of milk. They must ensure the proper care for milk cows. These farmers and farm managers oversee the establishment of a feed storage system for corn silage, alfalfa, hay, cottonseed, and soybeans. They also supervise the construction and maintenance of a milking parlor, a milking and milk storage system, and a manure management system. Dairy farmers and farm managers promote, transport, and sell dairy products.
Aquaculture farmers and farm managers oversee aquaculture production tasks. They or their staff stock ponds or floating nets with eggs, shellfish, or juvenile fish, feed fish stock, and protect fish stock from predators and contamination. Like their meat and dairy counterparts, these farmers and farm managers are responsible for the promotion and sale of their products.
In addition, all farmers and farm managers are responsible for purchasing supplies, maintaining farm machinery, ensuring the cleanliness of farm facilities, and educating themselves about government regulations and business trends affecting their industry.
Fur Farmers (410.161-014). Fur Farmers feed and raise mink, fox, chinchilla, rabbits, and other fur-bearing animals for sale on the fur market.
Poultry Farmers (411.161-018). Poultry Farmers raise chickens, turkeys, or other fowl for meat or egg production.
Vegetable Farmers (402.161-010). Vegetable Farmers plan and plant vegetables according to weather, type of soil, and size and location of the farm.
Tree-Fruit-And-Nut Crop Farmers (403.161-010). Tree-Fruit-And-Nut Crop Farmers plant and cultivate fruit-producing trees.
Nursery Managers (180.167-042). Nursery Managers supervise plant nurseries that produce plants for sale to wholesale or retail customers.
Farm General Managers (180.167-018). Farm General Managers operate farms for corporations, cooperatives, or other owners.
Fish Farmers (446.161-010). Fish Farmers spawn and raise fish for commercial purposes.
Shellfish Growers (446.161-014). Shellfish Growers cultivate and harvest beds of shellfish, such as clams and oysters.
Horse Trainers (419.244-010). Horse Trainers train horses for riding or harness.
Organic Farmers/Farm Managers. Organic Farmers/Farm Managers grow crops, control pests, and maintain soil health without the use, or the limited use, of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Farmers and farm managers work in farms, nurseries, ranches, and greenhouses. Farming tends to be very physical and requires extensive hard labor, walking, lifting, and bending. Farmers and farm managers are at high risk for back strain, pesticide exposure, and machine accidents.
Human Environment. Farms, nurseries, ranches, and greenhouses tend to be remotely located and isolated. However, farmers and farm managers interact with farm workers, families, customers, landholders, bankers, veterinarians, and government inspectors. The amount of human interaction often depends on the scale and business model of the farm operation. Farm managers typically report to a farmer or corporation.
Technological Environment. In the course of their work, farmers and farm managers use farm machinery and equipment, such as animal feeders, hay balers, mowers, trucks, irrigation systems, tractors, chainsaws, and milking machines. In addition, farmers and farm managers use computers, Internet communication tools, accounting and farm management software, and spreadsheets to assist them with the business tasks of farming. Farmers may use global positioning systems installed into their farming equipment to plant their crops.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school-level study of mathematics, agricultural science, biology, chemistry, and business can provide a strong foundation for work as a farmer or college-level study in the field. High school students interested in this career path may benefit from internships, apprenticeships, or part-time work with local farms that expose them to the diversity and challenges of farming responsibilities.
Postsecondary. Although a postsecondary degree is not strictly necessary for farm work, aspiring farmers or farm managers should pursue an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in agriculture, farm management, agronomy, and dairy science. Formal postsecondary studies afford students a better understanding of the work and industry and provide greater opportunities for advancement. Postsecondary students can gain work experience and potential advantage in their future job searches by securing internships or part-time employment with local farms.
Related Occupations
− Farm & Home Management Advisor
− Forester & Conservation Scientist
Bibliography
“Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/management/farmers-ranchers-and-other-agricultural-managers.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.