Farmers and Farm Managers

Career summary

#match with 4164, no alt titles no info brought over, checked 2/27/19 lh Outlook section complex.

Farmers' duties vary by the type and the size of the farm or ranch.

Crop farmers plan, plant, cultivate, spray, and harvest. They analyze their soil and fertilize it so that it produces better plants. They store, load, transport, and market their crops. They also set up, inspect, and maintain farm equipment.

On livestock, dairy, and poultry farms, farmers plan, feed, and care for animals. They also may oversee breeding. Modern farmers raise many different kinds of stock. For example, farmers may raise earthworms, shellfish, or bees.

On small farms, farmers do most of the work themselves. Workers may include the farmer and one or two family members or hired employees. On large farms, farmers hire employees to help with the physical work. The largest ones may have 100 or more full-time and seasonal workers. Owners of these large farms may hire farm managers. Farm managers supervise and direct farm and ranch workers. These workers may oversee most activities or focus on a single activity, such as harvesting.

Both farmers and farm managers make managerial decisions. They decide which crops to plant or animals to raise, and what type of equipment and supplies to purchase. They must think about weather predictions, disease outbreaks that could make their plants or animals sick, farm product prices, and federal farm programs. They must also adjust irrigation systems to use water efficiently, and make sure that buildings and equipment are clean and repaired.

Farmers and farm managers look for new ways to improve their yield for less money. For example, they may use a new pest control method that increases their output because it reduces damage from bugs.

To start new ventures, farmers and farm managers negotiate and secure loans from banks. They must keep good records of their costs and their production. They also must understand federal and state regulations that apply to farming and to selling products.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Agricultural Inspectors
• Agricultural Scientists
• Agricultural Worker Supervisors
• Blue-Collar Worker Supervisors
• Buyers and Purchasing Agents
• Conservation Scientists
• Farm and Home Management Advisors
• Farm and Ranch Workers
• General and Operations Managers
• Golf Course Superintendents
• Industrial Production Managers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to farmers and farm managers.

• Decide the kind and amount of crops or livestock to be raised. Use information about market, weather, and farm size to make decisions.
• Select and purchase supplies and equipment, such as tractors, seed, or fertilizer.
• Set up and operate farm machines for planting, maintaining, or harvesting crops.
• Breed and raise stock such as honeybees, flowers, fish, or poultry. Recycle unused products created by stock.
• Plan and manage planting and harvesting of crops. Recycle crop waste after the harvest.
• Collect data on the growing environment, such as by testing soil. Apply the information to use less water in irrigating the crops.
• Identify and use new ways to grow, harvest, or sell products. This includes using chemical free methods to control weeds and pests.
• Package and transport crops.
• Arrange with buyers for sale and shipment of products.
• Inspect and maintain equipment.
• Assemble or install farm structures or equipment.
• Hire, train, and direct farm workers.
• Negotiate with bankers to obtain credit.
• Maintain financial and production records.

Common work activities

Farmers and farm managers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Make decisions and solve problems
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Develop goals and strategies
• Monitor and control resources
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Analyze data or information
• Control machines and processes
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Get information needed to do the job
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Think creatively
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Document and record information
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Process information
• Perform administrative tasks
• Schedule work and activities
• Evaluate information against standards
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Explain the meaning of information to others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, farmers and farm managers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Usually have a low level of contact with others. However, farm managers may have more contact since they meet with farmers and staff.
• Are responsible for the work of others.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Communicate with others by telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face discussions.

Physical work conditions

• Usually spend time throughout the day in trucks, tractors, and similar vehicles and equipment.
• Often work outdoors. May work indoors when doing recordkeeping.
• Are often exposed to hot or cold temperatures, depending on the weather.
• Occasionally are exposed to contaminants, such as pesticides.
• Sometimes are exposed to sounds and noise levels that are loud or distracting.
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous equipment.
• Sometimes work in bright or dim lighting, depending on the time of day or work site.
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous situations. Those who work with livestock have a moderate chance of being bitten. The level of injury usually is low.
• Often wear gloves, boots, and long-sleeve shirts.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. This is to make sure that the farm is as productive as it can be. Missing small details can cause the farmer to lose money.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Regularly make decisions that greatly impact farm operations. They usually don't consult others before deciding a course of action.
• Rarely talk to others before deciding the days' tasks and priorities.
• Work in a stressful environment in which deadlines and production goals must be met.

Hours/travel

• May work every day, especially if caring for livestock.
• Usually work long hours, especially during planting or harvesting times.
• May not get away from work, unless they can hire someone to take over their duties.
• May travel to conferences during winter months to learn new techniques.
• May work full time or part time.

Physical demands

Farmers and farm managers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for farmers and farm managers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for farmers and farm managers to be able to:

• Determine the distance between objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.

Skills and abilities

Farmers and farm managers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Operate and control equipment.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Agricultural Business and Management
• Agricultural Production Operations
• Agricultural Technologies
• Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
• Agronomy and Crop Science
• Animal Husbandry and Production
• Dairy Science
• Farm and Ranch Management
• Horticulture Operations
• Plant Science
• Poultry Science
• Soil Science
• Turf and Turfgrass Management
• Viticulture and Enology

Other programs of study to consider

• Agriculture, General
• Animal Sciences, General
• Aquaculture
• Business Management and Administration
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Equestrian Studies
• Horticultural Science
• Ornamental Horticulture
• Pest Management
• Range Science and Management

Training

To work as a farmer or farm manager, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have more than five years of work experience in agriculture.

Education after high school

Most farmers and farm managers learn through years of work experience. However, with advances in modern farming practices, it is becoming more important that farmers and ranchers have formal training. Agronomy, dairy science, and agriculture economics are a few courses you can take. If you are interested in a particular crop or type of farming, look for schools in states that grow or support that type of farming. Every state has a land-grant university with a school of agriculture.

Business management courses are also very important. Community colleges offer two-year programs in business management.

Work experience

Most farmers and farm managers have years of work experience. Growing up on a farm provides good work experience. It is also helpful if you join clubs such as 4-H or the National FFA Organization while in high school. You learn how weather, fertilizers, seed, and feeding affect crops and animals.

On-the-job training

Some farmers learn their skills on the job. This is especially true on family farms.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Agricultural Business
• Agricultural Production
• Agronomy
• Animal Science
• Computer Applications
• Horticulture
• Plant and Soil Science

Many farmers and farm managers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire farm managers who have experience managing farms. Employers look for a basic knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping, or someone who has experience in keeping financial records.

Employers also prefer to hire farm managers who have computer skills. Many managers use computers to keep records and analyze how the farm is producing. Some farmers use the Internet to get the latest information on prices of farm products and other agricultural news. Farm managers must also know good credit sources to keep a farm running. In addition, they must know how to operate and repair farm equipment.

Successful farmers must be good business people, with knowledge of economics, chemistry, and machinery repair. They also must be self-directed and willing to work long hours when necessary. Beginning farmers must be prepared to make a large initial capital investment. Previous farm or ranch experience is valuable.

Tips

Vocational training in welding, mechanics, and other areas is helpful. Knowledge of precision agriculture, which combines Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS), is becoming increasingly important for farmers who grow crops.

#Information on precision farming added 3/31/14 cj http://www.gps.gov/applications/agriculture/ 

Costs to workers

Farmers wishing to own and operate their own farm must make a substantial capital investment for land and equipment.

Licensing/certification

Farmers often obtain licenses for specific tasks such as pesticide application, pasteurizing operation, or cream grading. Licensing divisions within the Washington State Department of Agriculture  at 360.902.1800 can provide specific information.

#Checked state web site updated url 2/27/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Agricultural Crop Farm Managers 
• Farm, Ranch, and Other Agricultural Managers 
• Farmers and Ranchers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Farm income varies greatly depending upon the type and size of farm. For example, vegetable and cotton farms generally produce the highest income. Beef and hog farms generate some of the lowest income. Large farms generally produce more income than smaller farms. However, some small farms that produce specialty crops have high incomes.

Farmers' incomes vary greatly from year to year. The prices of farm products change depending upon weather and other factors. These factors influence the quantity of farm products produced and the demand for those products. Farms that show a large profit in one year may show a loss in the following year.

Many farmers receive payments from the government that supplement their incomes. Some of these price supports are being phased out and may result in lower incomes for these farmers. Thus, many farmers have business activities away from the farm to supplement their income.

Farmers and self-employed farm managers must supply their own benefits. As members of farm organizations, they may receive group discounts on health and life insurance. Farm managers who are not self-employed may receive housing as a benefit. They may also receive paid vacations and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on the amount of land available for cultivation, allocation of water resources for farm product irrigation and transportation, and the cost of labor, grains, seed, fertilizer, electricity, fuel, and other products needed for farm operations. A combination of low prices for farm products, drought, and rising fuel and fertilizer prices has made it difficult for many small, family-owned crop-growing farms to stay in business. Farmers are also affected by the funding levels for various federal farm services such as conservation programs and farm ownership loans, and the ability to secure crucial operating loans. Technological improvements in agriculture, environmental regulations, and the domestic and international markets for agricultural products also affect outlook.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 68% of farmers and farm managers are self-employed.

Farm managers tend to work for large commercial farms. Others may work for companies that supply agricultural goods to farms. Some may work for agricultural worker supply services. These service companies contract with farms to help with the harvest or other services.

Major employers:

• Privately owned farms
• Large commercial farms

National outlook

Demand for this occupation expected to show little no change. Farms are consolidating and technology allows farmers to produce larger crops and land suitable for farming is expensive.

There are an increasing number of small-scale farmers who are finding success by meeting the demands of specific markets. For example, many small farmers grow foods without pesticides or chemicals because there is a demand for organic food. Other farmers are starting to raise trees or plants for nurseries. Some growth in farming has occurred as people want to purchase their food directly from farmers through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

Other resources

AgCareers.com 
Western USA Office
866.519.7445

AgForLife 

Agriculture Council of America 
11020 King Street, Suite 205
Overland Park, KS 66210
913.491.1895

American Farm Bureau Federation 
600 Maryland Avenue SW, Suite 1000W
Washington, DC 20024
202.406.3600

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture 
600 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20024

American Poultry Association 
PO Box 9
Lucasville, OH 45648

American Society of Agronomy 
5585 Guilford Road
Madison, WI 53711
608.273.8080

American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers 
720 South Colorado Boulevard, Suite 360-S
Glendale, CO 80246
303.758.3513

AmericanHort 

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology 
4420 West Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
515.292.2125

Irrigation Association 
8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 400
Fairfax, VA 22031
703.536.7080

National Farmers Organization 
528 Billy Sunday Road, Suite 100
PO Box 2508
Ames, IA 50010
800.247.2110

National Future Farmers of America Organization 
PO Box 68960
6060 FFA Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960
317.802.6060

National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service 
P.O. Box 3838
Butte, MT 59702

Society for Range Management 
6901 South Pierce Street, Suite 230
Littleton, CO 80128
303.986.3309

Soil and Water Conservation Society 
945 SW Ankeny Road
Ankeny, IA 50023
515.289.2331

Turfgrass Producers International 
444 E. Roosevelt Road #346
Lombard IL, 60148
800.405.8873

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services 

Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (Vesta) 

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Washington Farm Bureau 
975 Carpenter Road NE, Suite 301
Lacey, WA 98516
360.357.9975

Washington State Conservation Commission 
PO Box 47721
Olympia, WA 98504-7721
360.407.6200

Washington State Dairy Federation 
PO Box 1768
Elma, WA 98541-1768
360.482.3485

Washington State Tree Fruit Association 
2900 Euclid Avenue
Wenatchee, WA 98801
509.665.9641

References

Career cluster

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Farm and Ranch Managers (11-9013.02) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Beekeeper (413.161-010) 
• Farmer, Cash Grain (401.161-010) 
• Farmer, Diversified Crops (407.161-010) 
• Farmer, Field Crop (404.161-010) 
• Farmer, Fruit Crops, Bush and Vine (403.161-014) 
• Farmer, General (421.161-010) 
• Farmer, Tree-fruit-and-nut Crops (403.161-010) 
• Farmer, Vegetable (402.161-010) 
• General Manager, Farm (180.167-018) 
• Manager, Orchard (180.167-066) 
• Manager, Production, Seed Corn (180.161-010) 
• Superintendent, Production (180.167-058) 
• Worm Grower (413.161-018) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Farmer/Rancher

Holland occupational clusters

• Enterprising/Realistic/Conventional
• Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional

COPSystem

• Business Professional