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Farmers and Farm Managers perform varied duties for the efficient and profitable operation of a farm. They are concerned with planning, planting, harvesting, and marketing crops; raising, tending, and marketing various farm animals; and managing farm workers.

Job Duties 

Depending on the type of farm product produced, Farmers may:

Plan crops to be planted and livestock to be raised

Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment

Clean and repair farm buildings, fences, and other structures

Plan and assign work, and supervise farm laborers

Keep records for effective management and analysis of farming enterprises

Farmers and Farm Managers concerned with crops may:

Prepare soil by plowing, harrowing, and fertilizing

Plant seeds

Cultivate and irrigate crops

Spray crops with insecticides and fungicides

Harvest crops

Visit orchards and fields to inspect and estimate maturity dates of crops

Farmers and Farm Managers concerned with animals may:

Tend livestock and poultry

Milk cows and goats

Market produce and/or livestock

Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Farmers and Farm Managers may specialize in these areas:

403.161-010 TREE-FRUIT-AND-NUT CROP FARMERS plant and cultivate trees such as apple, peach, and walnut, and harvest fruit and nut crops.

410.161-014 FUR FARMERS breed and raise mink, fox, chinchilla, rabbits, and other fur bearing animals for sale on the fur market.

180.167-042 NURSERY MANAGERS supervise plant nurseries which produce trees, shrubs, flowers, ornamental plants, or vegetables for sale to wholesale or retail customers.

402.161-010 VEGETABLE FARMERS raise vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and beets. They plan the kind of vegetable and the amount to be planted according to weather, type of soil, size and location of the farm, and market conditions.

411.161-018 POULTRY FARMERS raise chickens, turkeys, and other poultry for meat and egg production.

410.161-018 LIVESTOCK RANCHERS breed and raise livestock such as beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, sheep, and swine for the sale of meat; for products such as milk and wool; for breeding; or for other purposes.

401.161-010 CASH GRAIN FARMERS plant, cultivate, and harvest one or more grain crops, such as barley, corn, rice, soybeans, and wheat to sell for cash. They may be known according to the specific grain grown as corn grower, rice farmer, soybean grower, or wheat grower.

180.167-066 ORCHARD MANAGERS direct and coordinate, through middle management personnel, orchard activities such as orchard development, irrigation, chemical application, and harvesting to ensure that company production goals are met.

180.167-018 FARM GENERAL MANAGERS operate farms for corporations, cooperatives, or other owners. They are concerned with all aspects of planning, financing, raising, harvesting, packing, and marketing of farm products.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Farmers and Farm Managers may work alone or with others. Farmers may be responsible for running the farm, or such responsibilities may be assigned to Farm Managers by farm owners. Farmers usually work outdoors but also work indoors keeping records or in a barn or other farm building. Farm Managers may spend a considerably greater amount of time indoors analyzing records, making projections, and performing related duties.

Farming is one of the most hazardous occupations in the nation. Hazards include falls from tractors, storage bins, or high barn roofs; accidents from carelessly handled tools, barbed wire, and mechanized equipment; and injuries from lifting heavy objects.

Farmers and Farm Managers may use personal computers to analyze a farm's financial condition and predict whether it has a chance of long-term survival. Dairy farmers use computers to monitor the herds daily performance (milk production) which helps with early signs of disease or necessary food and water adjustments.

Crop Farmers work long hours during the growing and harvesting seasons, often up to 80 hours per week. Livestock Farmers usually work a 7-day, 60- to 80-hour week. In the winter months, the hours may be reduced for Crop Farmers but may remain constant for Livestock, Poultry, or Fur Farmers.

Some Farmers and Farm Managers may join such organizations as The National Farmers Organization, National Grange, and Farm Bureaus and Cooperatives. Those who belong to associations must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities bringing personal satisfaction from producing farm

products

• Working with animals and the outdoors

• Activities involving the use of machines, processes, or techniques

• Activities involving business contact with people

• Activities resulting in esteem from others, if a Manager

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Plan, direct, and control farm activities

• Rate information by personal judgment/standards that can be measured

• Maintain agreeable working relations with others

• Do minor repairs on machinery and equipment

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

So far this month, it has rained 4 out of 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:

Provide access from the barn to a fenced-in outdoor area for browsing and exercise. The fence must be at least 4 feet high--though even this may not be high enough for an unusually agile goat.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written schedule for employees indicating times, days, and type of work that needs to be done.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills, organizational skills, and be detail oriented in managing farm operations.

A successful Farmer or Farm Manager should have several years of practical experience combined with some formal agricultural and postsecondary education. Computer literacy is helpful, especially on large farms since computers are used to monitor all aspects of farm operations. Farmers who use pesticides that are restricted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture must be certified. To determine whether particular pesticides are restricted, contact the Pesticide and Plant Pest Management division of the Department of Agriculture.

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) or a Bachelor's Degree (four 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 , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

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.

003 HORTICULTURE

Approved vocational education programs in Horticulture prepare students to produce, process, and sell flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees which are used mainly for ornamental purposes. Programs include the study or machinery and equipment used in a Horticultural business such as an arboretum, greenhouse, or nursery.

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***

008 AGRICULTURE

Programs in Agriculture provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment in food, livestock, and plant production. Program specializations include agronomy, soil science, animal science, dairy science, poultry science, horticulture, agricultural economics, plant science, farm management, and agricultural business. Individuals who teach agriculture at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within programs will vary but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below.

An extensive listing of other information sources can also be found in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Item.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Some of the ways to explore or gain experience in farming are through summer or part-time work, and club activities such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America. Secondary vocational education programs in production agriculture, horticulture, and business services and technology, and postsecondary programs in agriculture may also offer opportunities through which experience may be gained.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Farmer and Farm Manager employer

internships

volunteer work with a Farmer and Farm Manager employer

community service work with an agency

Farm Managers may apply directly to farm owners or may receive assistance in finding a job from county farm bureaus, county agricultural agents, and newspaper want ads. Farmers usually enter farming through inheriting or purchasing a farm and after obtaining some experience and education. An office of Michigan Works! may help locate openings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Michigan Talent Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

Michigan Works!

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

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

The earnings of Farmers vary widely depending on the type of crop grown or animal raised; weather during the growing season; market prices; size of the farm; expenses; and management ability.

Nationally, the median annual earnings for all Farm Managers were $25,948 in 1999. Starting salary offers to bachelor's degree holders in farm management averaged $33,658 in late 2000.

Annual salaries of Farmers employed by the State of Michigan (mid 2000) ranged between $25,808 and $32,385 yearly. Farm supervisors earned between $32,823 and $42,845.

The 1998 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan working in jobs related to this occupation earned a beginning average of $7.43 per hour in 1999.

Self-employed Farmers do not receive fringe benefits. Depending on the employer, General Farm Managers may receive paid vacations and holidays; sick leave; health and life insurance; and retirement plans. Other benefits may include free farm products, free housing, and furnished transportation.

Farmers belonging to organizations, such as the National Farmers Organization, National Grange, and Farm Bureaus and Cooperatives, receive reduced rates on types of insurance such as fire insurance, health and life insurance, and automobile and equipment insurance.

Farm Managers may advance if they can accumulate enough capital to purchase a farm. Farmers may increase their income and thereby advance by expanding their land and machinery holdings.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were approximately 1,310,000 Farmers and Farm Managers who were self-employed in 1999. An additional 151,000 were employed by large farming companies. The number of Farmers is expected to decline through the year 2008.

The increase in the average size of farms and the advanced technologies required for successful farming will create openings for educated, experienced farm managers. Absentee owners will hire workers to run their farms or oversee tenant workers. Some Manager positions are likely to be filled by experienced farm owners. College training will increasingly be needed to provide farmers with the technical basis necessary to understand and use new developments in research and technology.

There were about 42,680 Farmers and Farm Managers employed in Michigan. Farmers are frequently engaged in multiple enterprises which included both livestock and crop production.

According to the 1990 Census, 15.6% of this occupation were female.

Employment of Farmers is expected to decline through the year 2006. About 800 openings will replace some Farmers and Farm Managers who retire, die, or leave the labor force. Additional openings will occur as Farmers and Farm Managers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Fewer Farmers will be needed in Michigan to produce food and fiber products. The number of owners of small farms will continue to decrease as farms become more expensive to own and operate. However, farm output will increase because of the greater use of farm machinery, equipment, and fertilizers. Genetically engineered plants that are resistant to insect damage have reduced the amount of pesticides needed and improved yields. As farms grow in size and become more complex to operate, the need for Farm Managers may increase. Opportunities will be available for those with the necessary knowledge and experience.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area.

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Farmer and Farm Manager can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development