What Does it Take to Be a Farm or Ranch Manager?
Job Description: 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.
Life As a Farm or Ranch Manager: What Do They Do?
- Inspect orchards or fields to determine crop maturity or condition or to detect disease or insect infestation.
- Analyze soil to determine types or quantities of fertilizer required for maximum crop production.
- Obtain financing necessary for purchases of machinery, land, supplies, or livestock.
- Analyze market conditions to determine acreage allocations.
- Change processes such as drying, grading, storing, or shipping to improve efficiency or profitability.
- Prepare budgets or financial reports for farm or ranch operations.
Skills Needed to be a Farm or Ranch Manager
Below is a list of the skills most Farm and Ranch Managers say are important on the job.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Herb Grower
- Pig Farmer
- Hog Raiser
- Fruit Raiser
- Poultry Hatchery Manager
Are There Job Opportunities for Farm and Ranch Managers?
There were about 1,028,700 jobs for Farm or Ranch Manager in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Farm or Ranch Manager. There will be an estimated 74,300 positions for Farm or Ranch Manager per year.
The states with the most job growth for Farm or Ranch Manager are Oregon, Nevada, and Massachusetts. Watch out if you plan on working in South Carolina, California, or Hawaii. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Farm or Ranch Manager Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Farm or Ranch Manager ranges between $35,440 and $136,940.
Farm and Ranch Managers who work in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, or North Carolina, make the highest salaries.
How much do Farm and Ranch Managers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $75,870 |
| Arkansas | $67,520 |
| California | $91,670 |
| Florida | $71,880 |
| Georgia | $84,110 |
| Idaho | $60,470 |
| Illinois | $66,820 |
| Indiana | $64,030 |
| Iowa | $82,070 |
| Kentucky | $78,290 |
| Louisiana | $75,170 |
| Maryland | $89,660 |
| Massachusetts | $65,710 |
| Michigan | $67,030 |
| Minnesota | $95,000 |
| Missouri | $62,850 |
| Nebraska | $67,190 |
| Nevada | $90,900 |
| North Carolina | $100,370 |
| Ohio | $78,330 |
| Oklahoma | $57,230 |
| Oregon | $68,450 |
| Pennsylvania | $90,650 |
| South Carolina | $79,070 |
| Tennessee | $60,490 |
| Texas | $81,330 |
| Virginia | $84,630 |
| Washington | $86,640 |
| Wisconsin | $72,550 |
| Wyoming | $84,720 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Farm and Ranch Managers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Farm and Ranch Managers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Email software
- SAP
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Payroll software
- Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS
- MapInfo
- ESRI ArcPad
- John Deere Apex Farm Management
- Ag Leader Technology SMS Advanced
- Midwest MicroSystems Cow Sense
- CDA International Manifold System
- SST Development Group SSToolbox
- Cattlesoft CattleMax
- Global Mapper Software Global Mapper
How do I Become a Farm or Ranch Manager?
Learn what Farm or Ranch Manager education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Farm or Ranch Manager?
Where Farm and Ranch Managers Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Billy Hathorn via Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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