Farm and Ranch Manager

    Agriculture & Farming

    CIP Name: Agribusiness Operations Manager|CIP Code: 01.0102
    SOC Codes: 25-1041, 11-9013

    Manage agricultural businesses and agriculturally related operations within diversified corporations.

    $87K
    Median Salary
    +1.4%
    Job Growth
    6mo-2yr
    Training
    43.1K
    Jobs/Year

    What Farm and Ranch Managers Do

    Manage agricultural businesses and agriculturally related operations within diversified corporations.

    Common Tasks

    Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

    • 1Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
    • 2Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
    • 3Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
    • 4Supervise laboratory sessions and field work and coordinate laboratory operations.
    • 5Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.

    What You'll Learn

    agricultureagricultural specializationbusiness managementaccountingfinancemarketingplanninghuman resources managementother managerial responsibilities

    Types of Farm and Ranch Managers

    Agriculture InstructorAgriculture ProfessorAgronomy ProfessorAnimal Science ProfessorAssociate ProfessorHorticulture InstructorHorticulture ProfessorInstructorPlant Science ProfessorProfessorAquaculture DirectorFarm ManagerFarm Operations Technical DirectorFish Hatchery ManagerGreenhouse ManagerHarvesting ManagerHatchery ManagerHatchery SupervisorNursery ManagerRanch Manager

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Farms and ranches
    • • Greenhouses and nurseries
    • • Aquaculture facilities and fish hatcheries
    • • Agribusiness offices and corporate field operations
    • • Timber tracts and managed land operations

    Schedule

    Schedules often follow seasonal production cycles with early mornings and longer days during planting, harvest, or emergencies, with moderate time pressure year-round.

    Physical Demands

    Work is a mix of office planning and on-site oversight, with moderate standing, walking, and handling of materials or equipment. Conditions can include outdoor weather, uneven terrain, and occasional bending or crouching during inspections.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $87,165
    $50,384$158,705+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $50,384
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $65,977
    Median
    50th percentile
    $87,165
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $119,240
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $158,705+

    National Employment: 846,800 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand can increase as farms and agribusinesses adopt data-driven production, compliance tracking, and more complex supply chains that require skilled managers. Growth in specialty crops, greenhouse production, and aquaculture can also create new management roles.

    Skills You'll Need

    Budgeting and financial analysisOperations planning and resource allocationMarketing and sales fundamentalsPeople management and hiring/supervisionData tracking and recordkeepingProblem-solving under changing conditionsKnowledge of crop/livestock/aquaculture production systemsRegulatory compliance and safety management

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Strong earning potential for experienced managers
    • Varied work combining business decisions and field operations
    • Opportunities across crops, livestock, greenhouse, and aquaculture
    • High responsibility and autonomy in day-to-day operations
    • Transferable management skills for other industries

    Cons

    • Long hours during peak seasons and unexpected problems
    • Income and job stability can be tied to weather and commodity prices
    • High responsibility for safety, compliance, and financial outcomes
    • May require travel between sites and working outdoors
    • Can involve supervising labor shortages and difficult staffing
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Farm and Ranch Manager Trade

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