Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

• Farmers and ranchers own and operate mainly family-owned farms.
• Agricultural managers take care of the day-to-day operation of one or more farms, ranches, nurseries, timber tracts, greenhouses, or other agricultural establishments for corporations, farmers, or owners who do not live and work on their farm or ranch.
• Crop farmers and managers grow grain, fruits and vegetables, and other crops.
• Livestock, dairy, and poultry farmers, ranchers, and managers feed and care for animals. They keep livestock in barns, pens, and other well-maintained farm buildings.
• Horticultural specialty farmers and managers oversee the production of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants (including turf) used for landscaping.
• Aquaculture farmers and managers raise fish and shellfish in ponds, floating net pens, raceways, or recirculating systems.

Role of Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically do the following:

• Involved in all the steps of the crop production and ranging process, including planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and herding
• Determine how to raise crops or livestock according to factors such as market conditions, federal program availability, and soil conditions
• Select and purchase supplies, such as seed, fertilizers, and farm machinery
• Operate and repair farm machinery so it cultivates, harvests, and hauls crops
• Adapt what they do as needed for weather and where the crop is in its growing cycle
• Maintain farm facilities, including its water pipes, hoses, fences, and animal shelters
• Serve as the sales agent for livestock and crops
• Keep financial, tax, production, and employee records

Skills of Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Analytical Skills: Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers must monitor and assess the quality of their land or livestock. These tasks require precision and accuracy.
Reasoning and judgment Skills: Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers make tough decisions through sound reasoning and judgment.
Interpersonal Skills: Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers supervise laborers and other workers, so effective communication is critical.
Mechanical Aptitude: Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers particularly those working on smaller farms must be able to operate agricultural machinery and occasionally do routine maintenance.

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