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Farm or Ranch Manager

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Life As a Farm or Ranch Manager

Job Description & Duties 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.

List of Farm or Ranch Manager Job Duties

  • Prepare budgets or financial reports for farm or ranch operations.
  • Change processes such as drying, grading, storing, or shipping to improve efficiency or profitability.
  • Inspect farm or ranch structures, such as buildings, fences, or roads, ordering repair or maintenance activities, as needed.
  • Direct crop production operations, such as planning, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, or harvesting.
  • Demonstrate or explain working techniques, practices, or safety regulations to farm or ranch workers.
  • Supervise the construction of farm or ranch structures, such as buildings, fences, drainage systems, wells, or roads.

Qualities of a Farm or Ranch Manager

These are the skills Farm and Ranch Managers say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

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.

Types of Farm or Ranch Manager Jobs

  • Hatchery Manager
  • Apiculturist
  • Field Horticultural Specialty Grower
  • Sod Farmer
  • Tree Fruit and Nut Crops Farmer

Is There Job Demand 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. The BLS estimates 74,300 yearly job openings in this field.

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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 Salary

Farm and Ranch Managers make between $35,440 and $136,940 a year.

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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 different U.S. states?

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

What Tools do Farm and Ranch Managers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Farm and Ranch Managers:

  • 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
  • ESRI ArcPad
  • MapInfo
  • Midwest MicroSystems Cow Sense
  • Ag Leader Technology SMS Advanced
  • Cattlesoft CattleMax
  • John Deere Apex Farm Management
  • Lion Edge Technologies Ranch Manager
  • MapShots EASi Suite
  • SST Development Group SSToolbox

Becoming a Farm or Ranch Manager

Learn what Farm or Ranch Manager education requirements there are.

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Farm or Ranch Manager?

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Where Farm and Ranch Managers Are Employed

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Below are examples of industries where Farm and Ranch Managers work:

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References:

Image Credit: Billy Hathorn via Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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