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Farm Workers perform varied duties to produce food for human or animal consumption by planting, tending, harvesting, and marketing crops, and/or raising and looking after the welfare of fowl or animals such as poultry, hogs, sheep, and cattle.

Job Duties 

Farm Workers may:

Prepare the soil for planting by plowing, harrowing, and fertilizing

Plant seeds or seedlings

Cultivate and irrigate crops

Inspect crops for weeds, diseases, and insects and other pests

Spray crops with insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides

Harvest crops

Tend livestock and poultry

Milk cows

Operate, repair, and maintain farm machinery and equipment

Clean and repair farm buildings, fences, and other structures

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Farm Workers may specialize in these areas:

403.683-010 FRUIT FARMWORKERS drive and operate farm machinery to plant, cultivate, spray, and harvest fruit and nut crops such as apples, cherries, and strawberries. They may also remove excess growth from trees and vines to improve quality. Fruit Farmworkers may be designated according to the type of fruit grown, such as berry farmworker.

410.664-010 LIVESTOCK FARMWORKERS feed, water, and otherwise tend to livestock such as cattle, sheep, and hogs. They may also examine animals for disease as well as vaccinate and clean them. Livestock Farmworkers may have other specialized duties and names depending on the kind of livestock with which they work.

402.663-010 VEGETABLE FARMWORKERS plant, cultivate, and harvest vegetables such as peas, lettuce, tomatoes, and potatoes. They may also supervise seasonal farm laborers performing these tasks.

409.683-010 FARM-MACHINE OPERATORS drive and control farm equipment such as tractors, mechanical harvesters, conveyors, and other machinery to till the soil and to plant, cultivate, and harvest crops.

401.683-010 GRAIN FARMWORKERS drive and operate machinery to plant, cultivate, harvest, and store grain crops, such as wheat, oats, rye, and corn.

403.687-018 FRUIT HARVEST WORKERS perform tasks necessary to harvest fruits and nuts, such as cherries, strawberries, grapes, oranges, and pecans, using the appropriate method for the type of fruit being harvested. They may harvest fruit by hand or using tools, such as shears, rubber mallets, scoops, hooked poles, or mechanical tree shakers.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Farm Workers may work alone or with others under the direction and supervision of the farm manager or owner. They work outdoors most of the time, in all kinds of weather. Farming is one of the most hazardous occupations in the nation. Contributing to the high rate of injury are exposure to pesticides; tractor and machinery accidents; accidents from carelessly handled tools, barbed wire, and mechanized equipment; injuries from lifting heavy equipment; and injuries from livestock.

Farm Workers who tend livestock, such as poultry and dairy animals, may be permanent employees. Those who tend crops are usually seasonal workers and their employment period is determined by the planting and harvesting seasons. Many of the Workers employed in seasonal jobs are migrant workers who may travel to different areas and states during the winter months. The work may be of short duration, such as planting or harvesting. Farm Workers, however, may combine several short duration jobs for year-round employment. Migrant workers may have to furnish their own transportation to get from farm to farm and state to state.

Farm Workers often work long hours; during the harvest season or other peak working periods, they may work up to 80 hours per week. At other times during the year, a Farm Worker may work a 48-60 hour, 6-day week. Migrant Workers and other seasonal workers may work long hours one day and not work the next.

You Should Prefer:

• Working outdoors with plants and/or animals

• Working with machines and objects

• Performing activities of a routine, definite, organized manner

You Should Be Able To:

• Do a variety of work according to procedures or in an organized way

• Follow directions accurately and precisely

• Identify diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and insect damages

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

So far this month, it has rained 4 out 25 days. This pattern shows no real sign of changing. Suppose you plan a full day of haying for tomorrow. Given the relative frequency of rain so far, what is the probability that you'll have a dry day?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Instructions on culture usually say that corn is a tender annual and should be planted after the average frost-free date. Hybrids recommended today however, are not as tender as older varieties, so you can plant 10 days before the average frost-free date.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written document indicating predictions regarding how successful a crop is going to be after an assessment of the crop's progress.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate organizational skills and be detail oriented in tending to and harvesting crops.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0100 AGRISCIENCE , 0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

001 AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS

Approved vocational education programs in Agricultural Mechanics prepare students to select, operate, maintain, and use agricultural machinery and power equipment. Instruction includes the study of gas, diesel, and electrical power; welding; refrigeration; and hydraulics and other power systems. Instruction also includes planning for and construction of agricultural facilities.

Courses in other agriculture programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

002 PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE

Approved vocational education programs in Production Agriculture

prepare students for occupations that involve planning for and using facilities, land, water, machinery, chemicals, and labor in the production of plant and animal products.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

007 AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Agricultural Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to serve modern agriculture in many capacities. Graduates will qualify for work in agricultural production and supplies, pest control, food processing, landscaping, nurseries, ornamental horticulture, grounds management, and other agricultural occupations. Individuals who teach Agricultural Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within programs will vary from school to school according to the technical option the student chooses. Technical options may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. See the Sources Of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

You will also find a more extensive list of information sources in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Items.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Secondary vocational education programs in production agriculture and agricultural mechanics and postsecondary education programs in agricultural technology may offer co-op opportunities through which experience may be gained. Summer or part-time work on a farm provides good experience. Summer employment is also available through the Department of Natural Resources.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Farm Worker employer

internships

volunteer work with a Farm Worker employer

community service work with an agency

To get a job as a Farm Worker, you may apply directly to the owner or manager of a farm. You may also receive assistance in finding a job from Michigan Works! offices, county farm bureaus, county agricultural agents, and high school placement offices. Newspaper and farm publication want ads also list job openings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

Michigan Works!

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

As a group, Farm Workers are among the lowest paid workers in the nation. Wages vary depending on the type of work performed, length of employment, and experience. Farm Workers may be paid by the hour or by the piece. Piece rates represent the amount paid per unit picked and are based on the minimum wage and the number of units a typical Worker can pick per hour.

Nationally, median weekly earnings for all hired Farm Workers were $304 or $7.60 per hour in 1999.

Most Farm Workers are covered by the Michigan Minimum Wage Law. Some Farm Workers receive piece rates.

The average hourly earnings of all hired Farm Workers in Michigan in late 1999 was $8.21 per hour. The average hourly earnings for various types of Farm Workers in Michigan were:

Earnings for lead Workers and Farm Machinery Operators are generally higher.

Depending on the employer, full-time, year-round Farm Workers may receive sick leave, life and health insurance, paid vacations and holidays, and retirement plans. Farm Workers may receive free housing, free farm products, and the use of a car or truck.

Farm Workers can advance to either agribusiness or farm management positions. Advancement can be achieved by combining on-the-job farm experience with night or off-season vocational agriculture courses at a high school, community college, or university.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 760,500 Farm Workers were employed in 1998. Employment is expected to decline through the year 2008. Increasing farm mechanization has influenced the need for farm workers. As more jobs, such as picking fruits and vegetables, are taken over by new machines and equipment, less farm workers are needed. Some openings will still occur as Workers retire, take other jobs, or leave the labor force. Most replacement openings will be filled by Workers who have lost their jobs. Almost all were employed within the agriculture, fishing and forestry industries. Additionally, about 2.5% of all Farm Workers were self-employed.

There are about 13,475 Farm Workers employed in Michigan. They worked in the agricultural production industry throughout the state, mostly in rural areas.

Employment of Farm Workers is expected to decline through the year 2006. An average of 370 annual openings is expected, due to replacement of those who retire, die or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur to replace workers who transfer to other jobs or occupations. The best opportunities will be for Farm Machinery Operators and livestock and poultry Workers.

Increased use of labor-saving machines is the primary reason for declining employment. There will still be a demand for seasonal workers. Farm Workers will be needed for limited periods to perform short-term jobs such as cultivating or harvesting crops. Greatest seasonal employment in Michigan occurs between the last of April and the first of November, with the largest number of seasonal Farm Workers employed around July 31.

MICHIGAN'S AREA EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2006

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area.

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Farm Worker can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development