Find Grad Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Farm or Ranch Manager

Find Schools Near

All About Farm and Ranch Managers

Position 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.

Daily Life Of a Farm or Ranch Manager

  • Change processes such as drying, grading, storing, or shipping to improve efficiency or profitability.
  • Monitor activities such as irrigation, chemical application, harvesting, milking, breeding, or grading to ensure adherence to safety regulations or standards.
  • Determine types or quantities of crops or livestock to be raised, according to factors such as market conditions, federal programs or incentives, or soil conditions.
  • Direct the breeding or raising of stock, such as cattle, poultry, or honeybees, using recognized breeding practices to ensure stock improvement.
  • Buy or sell futures contracts or price farm products in advance of future sales to minimize risk or maximize profits.
  • Analyze market conditions to determine acreage allocations.

Qualities of 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.

Types of Farm or Ranch Manager

  • Mink Rancher
  • Reptile Farmer
  • Assistant Farm Operations Manager
  • Cotton Grower
  • Beef Farmer

Job Opportunities for Farm and Ranch Managers

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 1,028,700 jobs in the United States for Farm or Ranch Manager. 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.

undefined

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.

Average Farm and Ranch Managers Salary

The salary for Farm and Ranch Managers ranges between about $35,440 and $136,940 a year.

undefined

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?

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?

Are there Farm and Ranch Managers education requirements?

undefined

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

undefined

Who Employs Farm and Ranch Managers?

undefined

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

undefined

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Graduate Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited graduate schools across the U.S.