AGRICULTURAL MANAGER

Agricultural Managers supervise and implement various activities on farms, nurseries, greenhouses, and other agricultural production sites. This position is incredibly important for the maintenance of the nation's food supply. Many are self-employed and take part in different aspects of agricultural management. Others working on larger industrial farms may lead a team of other workers or have more specialized tasks. Though there is no such fixed education requirements, bachelor's degrees in agricultural sciences or MBA with agribusiness or other botany-related fields are becoming an industry standard for those who are not self-employed. However, work experience on farms is still the most popular form of preparation for Agricultural Management positions.

What Does an Agricultural Manager Do?

Agricultural Managers plan and coordinate the operation of farms, nurseries, greenhouses, and other agricultural production sites. In larger work settings they may also hire and train farmers to care for the crops under their supervision.

Agricultural Managers oversee all aspects of running farms and other facilities that produce crops. Some of their duties include planning, supervising, and sometimes participating in the planting, fertilization, and harvesting process. They may be in charge of hiring, training, and managing farm workers, ensuring that they are properly prepared for their important positions. They are also involved in selecting the proper equipment and supplies needed to properly support the farm. Depending on the size of the facility, an Agricultural Manager may also be required to keep the books and market the yield for that year.

Where Does an Agricultural Manager Work?

Agricultural Managers spend a great deal of time working in a farming environment, meaning that the majority of the workday takes place outdoors. They are exposed to potentially harsh weather conditions on a regular basis and often perform physically strenuous work. However, some of their time may be spent indoors planning for the following season, marketing their crops, or maintaining the equipment needed to run the farm efficiently.

Most Agricultural Managers work full-time with great potential for overtime. During the spring and fall - the busiest times of year - they may work from sunrise to sunset.

What Are the Education Requirements to Become an Agricultural Manager?

Agricultural Managers typically have no fixed required education level, though many have at least a Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness. Most Agricultural Managers gain their training through work experience, finding apprenticeships at local farms, or inheriting a family farm. However, it's important to note that a bachelor's degree is slowly emerging as an important asset in the industry. Attending a land-grant college or university and earning a degree in agriculture, farm management, agronomy, or botany can provide essential information about crops, ideal weather conditions, and various diseases that can inflict plants.