Agricultural Managers - Are You Interested in Becoming a Ranch Manager?
Range managers and farm managers are responsible for operating family operated farms, while agriculture management is responsible for operating activities on larger commercial farms. The responsibilities of these professionals will vary depending on the size of the organization.
Farmers and ranchers in management will make all decisions regarding the health of their business, which can include applying fertilizer to crops, and harvesting and marketing agricultural goods. Ranchers must make sure to utilize the best strategy in order to protect themselves from meat market fluctuations and agricultural hazards.
Most farm managers will sign contracts at which goods will be sold at a set price, in order to minimize any sudden price changes caused by a glut of agricultural products on the market. Most farming goods are sold directly to food processing companies, although some farmers will sell directly to customers through cooperatives.
Agricultural manager s responsibilities will vary and can include growing grains, cotton, livestock, dairy, and other animal and plant products. It is common for these professionals to also file tax returns and to service any machinery and maintain farm buildings.
The working conditions of these farming managers will often involve long hours although most ranchers enjoy living in rural areas and are self-employed so they can set their own hours. During the harvest season, agricultural managers may have to work from dusk to dawn, in order to make sure that crops are harvested quickly for market.
Agricultural managers require no formal training although some choose to obtain an bachelor's or associate's degree in farm management, but most ranchers will learn on the job. Management skills are helpful in order to learn how to operate a business profitably, and to negotiate contracts with agricultural suppliers and buyers.
In 2006, farm managers held over 1.2 million jobs in America , with 80% of these individuals being self-employed. The job outlook for these professionals is fairly negative, with a decline in those who are self-employed, as the farming infrastructure of the country continues to consolidate.
The United States Department of Agriculture has found that farm operators average slightly over $ 15,500 a year, however, this does not reflect government subsidies that are received from government organizations. Farmers will have to provide their own benefits, although larger organizations may receive group discounts on health and life insurance plans.
For additional information regarding Farm Management, visit Killer Careers, for more facts about Ranch Jobs.
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