Crop farmers and managers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Crop farmers and managers are responsible for all steps of plant growth, which include planting, fertilizing, watering, and harvesting crops. These farmers can grow grain, fruits, vegetables, and other crops. After a harvest, they make sure that the crops are properly packaged and stored.
- Education Required
- Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers usually have at least a high school diploma. As farm and land management has grown more complex and costly, farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers have increasingly needed postsecondary education, such as an associates degree or a bachelors degree in agriculture or a related field.
- Job Outlook
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The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 7% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- To show competency in farm management, agricultural managers may choose to become certified. The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) offer the Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) credential. The AFM requires 85 hours of coursework in land management and business ethics; a bachelors degree; 4 years of experience in farm or ranch management; and passing an exam. A complete list of requirements is available from ASFMRA.
- Median pay: How much do Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers make?
- $66,360 Annual Salary
- $31.91 per hour
Careers for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
- Agricultural crop farm managers
- Agricultural managers
- Animal husbandry managers
- Aquaculture farm managers
- Aquaculture farmers and managers
- Beef farm operators
- Christmas tree farm managers
- Dairy farm managers
- Farmers and ranchers
- Fish hatchery managers
- Greenhouse managers
- Hatchery managers
- Horticultural specialty farmers and managers
- Livestock managers
- Livestock, dairy, and poultry farmers, ranchers, and managers
- Nursery and greenhouse managers
- Nursery managers
- Orchard managers
- Poultry managers