Farm Manager

Your Fit

Income

$59K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

2.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Farm Manager?

A Farm Manager is responsible for the daily planning, organization, supervision, and administration of activities on a farm. They oversee farm operations, manage staff, and ensure profitability and efficiency in agricultural production.

Sample job titles:

Farm Supervisor, Harvesting Supervisor, Hatchery Manager, Logging Supervisor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Farm Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Farm Manager earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$40K per year	$48K per year	$59K per year	$77K per year	$91K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $9.83K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Farm Manager do?

Work environment

Farm Managers typically work on farms, which can vary from small family-run businesses to large industrial agricultural operations. The environment is mostly outdoors and can be physically demanding, involving long hours and a variety of tasks related to crop or livestock management.

Quick task list

Plans and coordinates the production and marketing of crops and livestock.
Hires, trains, and supervises farm workers and laborers.
Manages budgets and financial records for the farm.
Ensures compliance with government regulations and health and safety standards.
Implements and oversees environmental and sustainable farming practices.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Crop Production Management: Specializing in the cultivation, harvest, and sale of crops.
Livestock Management: Focusing on raising animals for meat, dairy, or wool production.
Organic Farm Management: Overseeing farms that use organic methods, focusing on sustainable and chemical-free farming practices.
Agribusiness Management: Combining farming knowledge with business skills to run large-scale or industrial farm operations.
Horticultural Management: Specializing in the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ornamental plants.

Description

Farm management is a challenging and rewarding occupation that requires a blend of practical farming experience and business acumen. Farm Managers need to be knowledgeable about the science of agriculture, including soil health, plant biology, and animal husbandry. They must also be skilled in business management, understanding market trends, financial planning, and human resources.

Technological advances have transformed farming, and modern Farm Managers often use sophisticated agricultural technology, like GPS-guided equipment, to increase efficiency and productivity. They must be adaptable, able to respond to various challenges such as weather conditions, disease outbreaks in crops or livestock, and fluctuations in market prices.

Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as Farm Managers work with a diverse team and must coordinate various activities to ensure the smooth running of the farm. They must also be proactive in learning and implementing sustainable farming practices to protect the environment and ensure the long-term viability of the farm.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The fulfillment of contributing to food production and land stewardship.
The independence and variety of daily tasks in managing a farm.
Opportunities to work outdoors and connect with nature.

You might make a good Farm Manager if you are...

Passionate about agriculture and the outdoors.
Skilled in problem-solving and critical thinking.
Comfortable with physical work and capable of handling challenging tasks.
Good at managing finances and have a business-oriented mindset.
A leader with strong organizational and communication skills.

Pros:

Working in nature and contributing to food sustainability.
Opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-employment.
Diverse daily activities, offering a dynamic work environment.

Cons:

Often requires long hours and physical labor.
Subject to the unpredictability of weather and market conditions.
Potential financial instability due to variable crop yields and prices.

How to become a Farm Manager

Typical education

While some farm managers learn through hands-on experience, increasingly, employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in agriculture, farm management, or a related field, which usually amounts to 4 years of post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Agricultural Science to learn the basics of farming and animal husbandry.
Business Studies for understanding the economic aspects of farm management.
Environmental Science to appreciate sustainable farming practices.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in Future Farmers of America (FFA) or similar organizations.
Volunteering or working part-time on a farm.
Engaging in outdoor activities and leadership roles in clubs or teams.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Business, or Farm Management.
Gaining hands-on experience through internships or work on farms.
Attending workshops and courses in specific areas like organic farming or agricultural technology.

More resources

National FFA Organization - Offers resources and opportunities for students interested in agricultural careers.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Provides information on agricultural practices, policies, and education.
American Farm Bureau Federation - Offers insights and resources for current and aspiring farm managers.
Farm Management - AgriOne - A resource for learning about modern farm management techniques and trends.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.