Agricultural Careers

Farm Manager

By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Katie Murray

Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office

Georgia Department of Education

June 2005

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What do they do?

Farm managers manage the day-to-day activities of one or more farms, ranches, nurseries, timber tracts, greenhouses, or other agricultural establishments for farmers, absentee landowners, or corporations.

Their duties and responsibilities vary widely, but are concentrated on the business aspects of running a farm.

Farm managers may not perform production activities; instead they may hire and supervise farm and livestock workers to perform most of the daily production tasks.

Managers may establish output goals, determine financial constraints, monitor production and marketing, determine crop transportation and storage requirements, and oversee maintenance of the property and equipment.

On many smaller farms, the manager is also a farm hand and does a majority of the farm work while overseeing others.

Farm managers also negotiate with banks and other credit lenders to get the best financing deals for their equipment, as well as their livestock and seed.

Qualities and Skills

Individuals that qualify for a position as farm manager should be knowledgeable in the area of agriculture they are pursuing. There are many decisions to be made on a daily basis where leadership and sound judgment are essential.

Since farm managers are in charge of employees, they should be able to work well with others and maintain a positive, considerate attitude at all times.

Patience and responsibility are also key qualities to someone in this position.

Education Needed

Completion of a 2-year degree, and preferably a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in a college of agriculture, is becoming increasingly important. But even after obtaining formal education, novices may need to spend time working under an experienced farm manager to learn how to put into practice the skills learned through academic training. A small number of farms offer, on a formal basis, apprenticeships to help young people acquire such practical skills.

A bachelor’s degree in agriculture business is important. In addition to formal education, experience is needed in the different aspects of farm and ranch operations in order to qualify for a farm manager position.

Farm managers also must have enough technical knowledge of animals, crops, growing conditions, and plant diseases to make decisions ensuring the successful operation of their farms. Knowledge of the relationship between farm operations—for example, the use of pesticides—and environmental conditions is essential.

Salary

Full-time, salaried farm managers had median annual earnings of $43,740 in 2002. The middle half earned between $32,620 and $59,330. The highest paid 10 percent earned more than $81,100, and the lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $24,410.

How to learn more about this career

•Take science courses such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

•Take as many agricultural classes as possible while in high school.

•Subscribe to agricultural related magazines.

•Participate in activities and competitions within FFA.

•Work a summer job or internship as a field hand on a local farm.

Career Resources

American Farm Bureau FederationWashington D.C. Office

600 Maryland Ave., S.W., Suite 800Washington, DC 20024

Internet: http://www.fb.com

American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers950 Cherry St. Suite 508

Denver, CO 80222Internet: http://www.asfmra.org