Farm and Ranch Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, or 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, financial, or marketing activities.

Median Annual Wage: $68,050

Projected Growth: Decline (-3% or lower)

Related Job Titles: Farm Manager; Sow Farm Manager; Accredited Farm Manager (AFM); Farmer; Dairy Farmer; Rancher; Farm Operator; Cash Crop Farmer; Grain Farmer; Ranch Manager

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Farm and Ranch Managers.

More Management Careers

  • Direct crop production operations, such as planning, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, or harvesting.
  • Monitor activities such as irrigation, chemical application, harvesting, milking, breeding, or grading to ensure adherence to safety regulations or standards.
  • Plan crop activities based on factors such as crop maturity or weather conditions.
  • Maintain financial, operational, production, or employment records for farms or ranches.
  • Direct the breeding or raising of stock, such as cattle, poultry, or honeybees, using recognized breeding practices to ensure stock improvement.
  • Obtain financing necessary for purchases of machinery, land, supplies, or livestock.
  • Inspect farm or ranch equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  • Negotiate with buyers for the sale, storage, or shipment of crops or livestock.
  • Analyze soil to determine types or quantities of fertilizer required for maximum crop production.
  • Evaluate marketing or sales alternatives for farm or ranch products.
  • Prepare budgets or financial reports for farm or ranch operations.
  • Determine types or quantities of crops or livestock to be raised, according to factors such as market conditions, federal programs or incentives, or soil conditions.
  • Demonstrate or explain working techniques, practices, or safety regulations to farm or ranch workers.
  • Hire, train, or supervise workers engaged in planting, cultivating, irrigating, harvesting, or marketing crops, or in raising livestock.
  • Select or purchase machinery, equipment, livestock, or supplies, such as seed, feed, fertilizer, or chemicals.
  • Analyze market conditions to determine acreage allocations.
  • Inspect farm or ranch structures, such as buildings, fences, or roads, ordering repair or maintenance activities, as needed.
  • Supervise the construction of farm or ranch structures, such as buildings, fences, drainage systems, wells, or roads.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Farm and Ranch Managers.

  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Farm and Ranch Managers.

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