Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Profile:
Farm, Ranch, and Other Agricultural Managers See More Careers
Modern farming requires knowledge of new developments in agriculture, as well as work experience acquired through growing up on a farm or through postsecondary education. Overall employment is projected to decline because of increasing productivity and consolidation of farms. Horticulture and organic farming will provide better employment opportunities. Small-scale farming is a major growth area and offers the best opportunity for entering the occupation.
Career Salary:
On average, Farm, Ranch, and Other Agricultural Managers earn $ 25.03 per hour.
Number of People in Profession:
3,300Job Outlook:
Job Opportunities for Farm, Ranch, and Other Agricultural Managers are expected to:
Increase much slower than the average.
Recommended Education Level:
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's plus Work Experience
- Associate Degree
- Professional Certificate
Nature of the Job
American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers direct the activities of one of the worlds largest and most productive agricultural sectors. They produce enough food and fiber to meet the needs of the United States and for export. 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. Agricultural managers manage the day-to-day activities of one or more farms, ranches, nurseries, timber tracts, greenhouses, or other agricultural establishments for farmers, absentee landowners, or corporations.
Training
Most farmers receive their training on the job, often by being raised on a farm. However, the completion of a 2-year associate degree or a 4-year bachelors degree at a college of agriculture is becoming increasingly important for farm managers and for farmers and ranchers who expect to make a living at farming. A degree in farm management or in business with a concentration in agriculture is important.
Employment Opportunities
Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers held nearly 1.3 million jobs in 2006. About 80 percent are self-employed farmers and ranchers, and the remainder is agricultural managers. Most farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers oversee crop-production activities, while others manage livestock and dairy production. Most farmers and ranchers operate small farms on a part-time basis.
Additional Resources:
- Alternative Farming System Information Center
- American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
- ATTRA, National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
- Center for Rural Affairs
- National FFA Organization
- Small Farm Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture