Farm and Ranch Management
Overview
Programs in farm and ranch management prepare people to manage farms and ranches.Farm and ranch management programs include topics such as:
- Agricultural science
- Business and management skills
- Marketing and economics
- Government programs and regulations
- Operational planning and budgeting
- Labor relations
Concentrations
In farm and ranch management programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Livestock
- Food and grain products
Schools
Several community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in farm and ranch management. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study, or enter the work force.
A few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in farm and ranch management. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Agriculture, General
- Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry and Production
- Business Management and Administration
- Dairy Science
- Equestrian Studies
- Horticulture Operations
- Pest Management
- Poultry Science
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Engineers
- Animal Scientists
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents
- Conservation Scientists
- Environmental Scientists
- Farm and Ranch Workers
- Precision Agriculture Technicians
- Sustainability Specialists
- University and College Teachers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture Science
- Agriculture Work Experience
- Algebra
- Animal Science
- Biology
- Business Computer Applications
- Business Management
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Probability and Statistics
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in some of the following subjects:
- Agronomy
- Aquaculture
- Business Management
- Computer Science
- Crop Science
- Economics
- Environmental Science
- Horticulture
- Mathematics
- Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers
- Plant or Animal Breeding, Growth, and Development
- Plant or Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Purchasing
- Research and Development
- Sales and Marketing
- Soil Chemistry
- Supervision
Most classes include hands-on experience at functioning ranches and farms. This includes summer work as well as courses conducted on-site.
Things to Know
Many programs are designed for farm and ranch owners who want to upgrade their professional skills. In some cases, programs require you to have professional farm or ranch management experience to be admitted.
For information about farm occupations, opportunities, and 4-H activities, contact your local county extension service office.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Agricultural and Food Systems--Agricultural Technology and Production Management
- Agricultural and Food Systems--Organic Agriculture Systems
King-Snohomish Area
Washington State University - Pullman (Everett)
- Agricultural and Food Systems--Organic Agriculture Systems
West Side Area
Skagit Valley College
- Environmental Sustainable Agriculture--Sustainable Small Farm Agriculture Applied Planning & Management (Level I)
- Environmental Sustainable Agriculture--Sustainable Small Farm Agriculture Applied Planning & Management (Level II)