RETURN TO
ENERGY
Farmers and Farm Managers
Education & Training
Preparation
To work as a farmer or farm manager, you must:
- have a high school diploma or GED;
- have at least an associate degree;
- complete coursework in an agriculture-related field;
- have good communication skills;
- have work experience in agriculture; and
- enjoy working outdoors.
Education after high school
With advances in modern farming practices, it is important that farmers and ranchers have at least an associate degree. Today, most have a bachelor's degree. Agronomy, dairy science, and agriculture economics are a few courses you can take. If you are interested in a particular crop or type of farming, look for schools in states that grow or support that type of farming. Every state has a land-grant university with a school of agriculture.
Business management courses are also very important. Community colleges offer two-year programs in business management.
Work experience
Growing up on a farm provides good work experience. It is also helpful if you join clubs such as 4-H or Future Farmers of America while in high school.
On-the-job training
Some farmers learn their skills on the job. This is especially true on family farms.
Related Programs (Current training programs available)
- Agricultural Business and Management, General
- Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
- Farm/Farm and Ranch Management
- Agricultural Business and Management, Other
- Agricultural Production Operations, General
- Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production
- Crop Production
- Dairy Husbandry and Production
- Horse Husbandry/Equine Science and Management
- Agricultural Production Operations, Other
- Greenhouse Operations and Management
- Plant Nursery Operations and Management
- Animal Sciences, General
- Plant Sciences, General
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Horticultural Science
Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)
Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Agricultural Technologies
- Agriculture, General
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Animal Husbandry and Production
- Animal Sciences, General
- Aquaculture
- Business Management and Administration
- Dairy Science
- Farm and Ranch Management
- Horticultural Science
- Horticulture Operations
- Ornamental Horticulture
- Pest Management
- Plant Science
- Poultry Science
- Range Science and Management
- Soil Science
- Turf and Turfgrass Management
Level of Education
The table below lists the level of education attained by a subset of workers in this occupation. The workers surveyed were between age 25 and 44.
| Education level attained | Percentage of workers in this occupation* |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26 |
| Some college (includes associate degree) | 29 |
| High school, GED, or apprenticeship | 45 |
| Education level attained | Percentage of workers in this occupation* |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16 |
| Some college (includes associate degree) | 30 |
| High school, GED, or apprenticeship | 54 |
* National data
Helpful High School Courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Production
- Agronomy
- Animal Science
- Computer Applications
- Horticulture
- Plant and Soil Science
Many farmers and farm managers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Introduction to Business
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.
