Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Career, Salary and Education Information
What They Do: Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers operate establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.
Work Environment: Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically work outdoors, but may spend some time in offices. They often do strenuous physical work.
How to Become One: Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers usually have at least a high school diploma and typically gain skills through work experience.
Salary: The median annual wage for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is $73,060.
Job Outlook: Employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 3 percent over the next ten years.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers with similar occupations.
Following is everything you need to know about a career as a farmer, rancher, or other agricultural manager with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:
Top 3 Agricultural Manager Jobs
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Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor (AP 24-20)
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Lakeport, CA
DownloadPosition OverviewThe University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR ... Rangeland management issues are important in the two-county area, with fuels management a ...
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Grower Relations Manager
- Sustainable Conservation
- Modesto, CA
... Manager to lead our outreach and relationship-building with dairy producers, farmers, and ... The project aims to drive sustainable agricultural practices by implementing manure subsurface drip ...
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Store Operations Manager
- Astoria Co-op
- Astoria, OR
Store Operations Manager - Astoria Co-op Lead and Elevate Operations for a Community-Focused Retail ... and agricultural producers. More about the area: -to-go/cities/astoria/ We are a learning ...
What Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers Do[About this section] [To Top]
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers operate establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.
Duties of Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically do the following:
- Supervise all steps of the crop production and ranging process, including planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and herding
- Determine how to raise crops or livestock by evaluating factors such as market conditions, disease, soil conditions, and the availability of federal programs
- Select and purchase supplies, such as seed, fertilizers, and farm machinery
- Ensure that all farming equipment is properly maintained
- Adapt their duties to the seasons, weather conditions, or a crop's growing cycle
- Maintain farm facilities, such as water pipes, hoses, fences, and animal shelters
- Serve as the sales agent for livestock, crops, and dairy products
- Record financial, tax, production, and employee information
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers monitor the constantly changing prices for their products. They use different strategies to protect themselves from unpredictable changes in the markets. For example, some farmers carefully plan the combination of crops that they grow, so if the price of one crop drops, they will have enough income from another crop to make up for the loss. Farmers and ranchers also track disease and weather conditions closely, because disease and bad weather may have a negative impact on crop yields or animal health. When farmers and ranchers plan ahead, they may be able to store their crops or keep their livestock in order to take advantage of higher prices later in the year.
Most farm output goes to food-processing companies. However, some farmers now choose to sell a portion of their goods directly to consumers through farmer's markets or use cooperatives to reduce their financial risk and to gain a larger share of the final price of their goods. In community-supported agriculture (CSA), cooperatives sell shares of a harvest to consumers before the planting season in order to ensure a market for the farm's produce.
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers also 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 own and operate mainly family-owned farms. They also may lease land from a landowner and operate it as a working farm.
The size of the farm or range determines which tasks farmers and ranchers handle. Those who operate 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 operate larger farms generally have employees—including agricultural workers—who help with physical work. Some employees of large farms are in nonfarm occupations, working as truck drivers, sales representatives, bookkeepers, or information technology specialists.
Farmers and ranchers track technological improvements in animal breeding and seeds, choosing new products that might increase output. Many 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 in production activities themselves. Instead, they hire and supervise farm and livestock workers to do most daily production tasks.
Managers may determine budgets. They may decide how to store, transport, and sell crops. They may also oversee the proper 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 steps of plant growth, which include planting, fertilizing, watering, and harvesting crops. These farmers can 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 may also oversee the breeding of animals in order to maintain the 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 are often responsible for keeping track of inventory and marketing activities.
Aquaculture farmers and managers raise fish and shellfish in ponds, floating net pens, raceways, and recirculating systems. They stock, feed, protect, and maintain aquatic life used for food and recreational fishing.
Work Environment for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers[About this section] [To Top]
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers hold about 847,600 jobs. The largest employers of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers are as follows:
| Self-employed workers | 68% |
| Crop production | 19% |
| Animal production and aquaculture | 12% |
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically work outdoors, but may spend some time in offices. They often do strenuous physical work.
Some farmers work primarily with crops and vegetables. Other farmers and ranchers handle livestock.
Injuries and Illnesses for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
The work environment for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers can be hazardous. Tractors, tools, and other farm machinery can cause serious injury, so workers must be alert on the job. They must operate equipment and handle chemicals properly to avoid accidents and safeguard the surrounding environment.
Farmer, Rancher, and Other Agricultural Manager 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 spend time meeting with farm supervisors. Managers who oversee several farms may divide their time between traveling to meet farmers and landowners and staying in their offices to plan farm operations.
How to Become a Farmer, Rancher, or Other Agricultural Manager[About this section] [To Top]
Get the education you need: Find schools for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers near you!
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers usually have at least a high school diploma and typically gain skills through work experience.
Education for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers usually have at least a high school diploma. As farm and land management has grown more complex and costly, farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers have increasingly needed postsecondary education, such as an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in agriculture or a related field.
All state university systems have at least one land-grant college or university with a school of agriculture. Common programs of study include business (with a concentration in agriculture), plant breeding, farm management, agronomy, dairy science, and agricultural economics.
There are a number of government programs that help new farmers get an education in farming. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has service centers across the country that assist new farmers in accessing programs offered by USDA. These programs include those that provide financial assistance for land and capital, help with finalizing a business plan, and assistance with conservation planning.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Prospective farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers typically work as agricultural workers for several years where they gain the knowledge and experience needed to operate their own farm or switch to management. Some of them may grow up on a family farm and learn that way. The amount of experience that is needed varies with the complexity of the work and the size of the farm. Those with postsecondary education in agriculture may not need previous work experience. Universities and various forms of government assistance give prospective farmers alternatives to working on a farm or growing up on one.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
To show competency in farm management, agricultural managers may choose to become certified. The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) offer the Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) credential. The AFM requires 85 hours of coursework in land management and business ethics; a bachelor's degree; 4 years of experience in farm or ranch management; and passing an exam. A complete list of requirements is available from ASFMRA.
Important Qualities for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Analytical skills. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers must monitor and assess the quality of their land or livestock. These tasks require precision and accuracy.
Critical-thinking skills. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers make tough decisions through sound reasoning and judgment. They determine how to improve their harvest and livestock, while reacting appropriately to external factors such as unfavorable weather or insect infestations.
Initiative. Many farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers are self-employed and must be motivated in order to maximize crop or livestock production.
Interpersonal skills. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers supervise laborers and other workers, so effective communication is critical.
Mechanical skills. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers operate complex machinery and occasionally perform routine maintenance.
Physical strength. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers—particularly those who work on small farms—must be able to perform physically strenuous, repetitive tasks, such as lifting heavy objects and bending at the waist.
Farmer, Rancher, and Other Agricultural Manager Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]
The median annual wage for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is $73,060. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,200, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $126,330.
Incomes of farmers and ranchers vary from year to year because prices of farm products fluctuate with weather conditions and other factors. In addition to earning income from their farm business, farmers may receive government subsidies or other payments that reduce some of the risks of farming.
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.
Job Outlook for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers[About this section] [To Top]
Employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 3 percent over the next ten years.
Despite limited employment growth, about 85,600 openings for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment of Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
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.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers | 847,600 | 824,000 | -3 | -23,600 |
More Farmer, Rancher, and Agricultural Manager Information[About this section] [To Top]
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
A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.