Occupation Details
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$43,600.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$64,200.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$99,530.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
43,380
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
43,290
+-9 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
4,171
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.0%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Aeration pumps
- Aerosol foggers
- Air compression equipment
- Animal blood collection syringes
- Animal feeders
- Animal transportation trailers
- Animal vaccination syringes
- Aquaculture tanks
- Artificial insemination kits
- Backhoe attachments
- Backhoes
- Bar code readers
- Belt conveyor systems
- Bench scales
- Biological filters
- Branding equipment
- Brush mowers
- Cage nets
- Carbon dioxide systems
- Centrifugal water pumps
- Chain saws
- Chemical sprayers
- Chipping equipment
- Circular saws
- Claw hammers
- Clockwork belt feeders
- Composting equipment
- Cordless power drills
Technology
- AGCO Advanced Technology Solutions Fieldstar
- Accutech Systems Corporation AccuFarm-MGR
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Advanced Veterinary Services Ranch Vision
- Ag Leader Technology SMS Advanced
- AgData Blue Skies Accounting
- AgTerra Technologies AgTrac
- AgriSoft/CMC AgriSoft/ERP
- Alua Software Paddock Pro
- AquaSoft Farm Manager
- Argos Software ABECAS Insight
- Atlassian Confluence
- Brihzon Solutions SMART Dairy Resource Planning
- CDA International Manifold System
- CattleWorks
- Cattlesoft CattleMax
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- administer injections
- administer medications or treatments
- artificially inseminate livestock
- examine animals to detect illness, disease, or injury
- breed animals to propagate stock or to develop new types
- advise clients or customers
- recommend improvements to work methods or procedures
- provide customer service
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- hire, discharge, transfer, or promote workers
- hire, discharge, transfer, or promote workers
- evaluate information from employment interviews
- maintain or repair farm vehicles, machinery, or mechanical implements
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare reports
- prepare required government reports
- prepare rental or lease agreement
- prepare or maintain employee records
- prepare financial reports
- prepare financial reports
- process payroll documents, records, or checks
- preserve, cure, or cold store meat, poultry or fish
- slaughter animals, fish, or poultry
- plant, cultivate, or harvest crops, including aquaculture
- explain rules, policies or regulations
- explain work orders, specifications, or work techniques to workers
- judge soil conditions
- judge soil conditions
- inspect crops to determine quality
- compile data for financial reports
- use hand or power tools
- operate agricultural equipment or machinery
- use herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides or related products
- package goods for shipment or storage
- negotiate business contracts
- negotiate business contracts
- resolve or assist workers to resolve work problems
- demonstrate or explain assembly or use of equipment
- conduct training for personnel
- estimate materials or labor requirements
- estimate time needed for project
- estimate product demand
- perform safety inspections in agricultural, forestry, or fishing setting
- perform safety inspections in agricultural, forestry, or fishing setting
- oversee work progress to verify safety or conformance to standards
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- motivate workers to achieve work goals
- assign work to staff or employees
- assign work to staff or employees
- establish employee performance standards
- evaluate performance of employees or contract personnel
- evaluate performance of employees or contract personnel
- orient new employees
- orient new employees
- direct workers in planting, irrigating, cultivating, harvesting, or marketing
- direct workers in planting, irrigating, cultivating, harvesting, or marketing
- monitor worker performance
- drive automobile, van, or light truck
- drive truck with capacity greater than 3 tons
- operate tractor with accessories or attachments
- transport passengers or cargo
- maintain production or work records
- analyze financial data
- analyze operational or management reports or records
- analyze organizational operating practices or procedures
- conduct research on work-related topics
- analyze market conditions
- analyze soil to determine type or quantity of fertilizer required
- analyze soil to determine type or quantity of fertilizer required
- prepare budget reports
- follow contract, property, or insurance laws
- follow horticulture irrigation techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use plant disease control techniques
- use knowledge of sales contracts
- use inventory control procedures
- use marketing techniques
- use sales techniques
- use fish culturing techniques
- use fish culturing techniques
- use animal disease control techniques
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- identify problems or improvements
- inspect growing environment
- inspect growing environment
- monitor forage plant growth
- inspect crops or fields
- inspect crops or fields
- monitor animal care
- observe plants, flowers, shrubs or trees to ascertain condition
- observe plants, flowers, shrubs or trees to ascertain condition
- monitor number or type of fish reared or harvested
- monitor number or type of fish reared or harvested
- observe fish or beds or ponds
- observe fish or beds or ponds
- inspect facilities to determine repair or replacement needs
- identify crop characteristics
- identify fruit or vegetable or crops ready for harvest
- identify livestock characteristics
- understand second language
- recognize disease or parasites in animals
- recognize plant diseases
- recognize tree or forest plant species
- grade, classify, or sort products according to specifications
- oversee execution of organizational or program policies
- oversee execution of organizational or program policies
- oversee execution of organizational or program policies
- coordinate staff or activities in clerical support setting
- oversee sales programs
- oversee sales programs
- confer with other departmental heads to coordinate activities
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- coordinate through subordinate supervisory personnel
- develop budgets
- develop budgets
- manage contracts
- disburse checks to satisfy accounts payable
- order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
- order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
- account for or dispense funds
- study production records
- schedule employee work hours
- schedule activities, classes, or events
- confer with research personnel
- conduct or attend staff meetings
- modify work procedures or processes to meet deadlines
- plan or organize work
- plan harvesting
- plan development or production of hybrid plant varieties
- plan development or production of hybrid plant varieties
- plan logging operations
- resolve agricultural production problems
- resolve agricultural production problems
- make decisions
- determine policies related to administration, standards, or facility maintenance
- resolve logging operation problems
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Conduct inspections to determine crop maturity or condition or to detect disease or insect infestation.
- Conduct or supervise stock examinations to identify diseases or parasites.
- Determine types or quantities of crops, plants, or livestock to be grown and raised, based on budgets, federal incentives, market conditions, executive directives, projected sales volumes, or soil conditions.
- Determine, administer, and execute policies relating to operations administration and standards, facility maintenance, and safety.
- Direct crop production operations, such as planning, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, and harvesting.
- Evaluate marketing or sales alternatives for products.
- Hire, supervise, and train support workers.
- Monitor activities, such as irrigation, chemical application, harvesting, milking, breeding, and grading, to ensure adherence to safety regulations or standards.
- Monitor environments to ensure maintenance of optimum animal or plant life.
- Obtain financing for and purchase necessary machinery, land, supplies, or livestock.
- Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
- Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
- Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
- Direct and monitor the transfer of mature fish to lakes, ponds, streams, or commercial tanks.
- Determine how to allocate resources and to respond to unanticipated problems, such as insect infestation, drought, and fire.
- Determine plant growing conditions, such as greenhouses, hydroponics, or natural settings, and set planting and care schedules.
- Devise and participate in activities to improve fish hatching and growth rates, and to prevent disease in hatcheries.
- Position and regulate plant irrigation systems, and program environmental and irrigation control computers.
- Prepare reports required by state and federal laws.
- Inspect facilities and equipment for signs of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work.
- Maintain financial, operational, production, or employment records for farms or ranches.
- Coordinate clerical, record-keeping, inventory, requisitioning, and marketing activities.
- Direct the breeding or raising of stock, such as cattle, poultry, or honeybees, using recognized breeding practices to ensure stock improvement.
- Negotiate with buyers for the sale, storage, or shipment of crops or livestock.
- Coordinate the selection and maintenance of brood stock.
- Analyze soil to determine types or quantities of fertilizer required for maximum crop production.
- Provide information to customers on the care of trees, shrubs, flowers, plants, and lawns.
- Analyze market conditions to determine acreage allocations.
- Replace chemical insecticides with environmentally friendly practices, such as adding pest-repelling plants to fields.
- Supervise the construction of farm or ranch structures, such as buildings, fences, drainage systems, wells, or roads.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Cornell University Cooperative Extension New York City Science and Technology High School Internship Project
This science and technology internship program increases high school and college aged students' science, math, research, technology and environmental literacy through a guided, hands on learning experience at CUCE-NYC's Learning Lab in the Bronx. The program provides students with an intensive laboratory experience which involves developing skills and understanding of laboratory data gathering, analysis and management and understanding of the production cycle for hydroponics, aquaculture (indoor fish farming) and aquaponics (a combination of the two) technologies.
Learn MoreFarmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreGreat Plant Escape
<p>Getting kids to think about plants and plant life is an important part of The Great Plant Escape. This site will have the students helping Detective LePlant and his partners Bud and Sprout unlock the amazing mysteries of plant life.</p>
Learn More