Farm, Ranch, and Agricultural Manager Career Profile

Picture this: As dawn breaks over the horizon, you’re already reviewing weather forecasts and commodity prices while planning the day’s activities across hundreds of acres of farmland. Think about being responsible for decisions that affect not just crop yields or livestock health, but also the food security of entire communities.

Modern farmers and ranchers are business executives, scientists, and environmental stewards rolled into one. They combine traditional agricultural knowledge with cutting-edge technology and business acumen to produce food and fiber for a growing global population.

Total Employment: 6,150 (2023) 

Common names for Farm, Ranch, and Agricultural Managers

• Aquaculture Director
• Farm Manager
• Farm Operations Technical Director
• Fish Hatchery Manager
• Greenhouse Manager
• Harvesting Manager
• Hatchery Manager
• Hatchery Supervisor
• Nursery Manager
• Ranch Manager

What Farm, Ranch, and Agricultural Managers Do

Primary responsibilities of Farm, Ranch, and Agricultural Managers include:

• Operations Management: Oversee daily farming or ranching activities, including scheduling planting and harvesting, coordinating livestock care, and managing equipment usage to ensure optimal productivity and resource utilization.
• Business Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans for the agricultural operation, including crop selection, livestock breeding programs, and market analysis to maximize profitability and sustainable growth.
• Financial Management: Monitor and control budgets, maintain accurate financial records, manage cash flow, and make decisions about purchases, investments, and sales to ensure the operation’s financial health.
• Resource Allocation: Direct the use of land, water, and other natural resources while implementing conservation practices to maintain long-term sustainability and comply with environmental regulations.
• Workforce Supervision: Hire, train, and oversee farm workers, ensuring proper task execution, safety compliance, and efficient labor utilization during critical periods like planting and harvest.
• Equipment Oversight: Determine equipment needs, coordinate maintenance schedules, and ensure proper operation of agricultural machinery to minimize downtime and optimize performance.
• Quality Control: Monitor product quality, implement food safety measures, ensure compliance with agricultural regulations to meet market standards and maintain certifications.
• Marketing and Sales: Negotiate prices, establish relationships with buyers, and determine optimal timing for selling agricultural products to maximize revenue in fluctuating market conditions.