Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

People in this career plan and coordinate the daily operations of agricultural establishments, which can range from crop farms and ranches to greenhouses and timber tracts. On a daily basis, managers make critical decisions, solve complex problems, and organize work schedules. They are responsible for coordinating the activities of farm workers, which involves hiring, training, and supervising staff.

This role requires strong enterprising interests and leadership qualities. Managers must communicate effectively with subordinates and peers, monitor resources, and creatively solve operational issues. Key skills for this work include active listening, critical thinking, personnel management, and speaking. Success in this field relies on a diverse foundation of knowledge, including biology, food production, production and processing, administration, mathematics, and economics. Agricultural managers must also display work styles such as dependability, perseverance, initiative, and high stress tolerance to handle the unpredictable nature of agricultural production.

To enter this career, the typical minimum education required is a high school diploma. However, because this occupation involves considerable preparation, most managers need a bachelor's degree along with several years of related work experience.

Students preparing for this field often pursue college majors such as agricultural business and management, agricultural production operations, plant sciences, animal sciences, food science and technology, anthrozoology, or applied horticulture and horticultural business services.

Professional credentials can help demonstrate expertise. Available certifications include the Accredited Farm Manager credential from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, the Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist credential from the Irrigation Association, and various NOCTI certifications in agribusiness systems, agricultural power and technology, and agricultural production operations. Additionally, some states list licensing requirements for this profession.

In 2025, the median annual pay for agricultural managers was $89,900. Earnings vary based on experience and the scale of the operation, with the lowest 10% of earners making less than $54,320 and the highest 10% earning more than $160,020.

There are 6,500 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to decline by -3.4%. Despite this projected decrease in total jobs, the field expects to see 70,800 job openings each year to replace workers who leave the occupation.