HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
There is no single pathway for this occupation. People often gain experience through farm work, service work, or jobs that involve machinery, supervision, or customer service. Some employers may look for a high school diploma, a trades certificate, college training, or related work experience, but requirements can vary by employer and region. Learning how to manage workers, maintain records, and operate farm equipment can be useful. Many people build skills on the job over time, especially by starting in a hands-on role and moving into supervision or business management.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Manage businesses which provide an agricultural livestock service such as artificial insemination, spraying or shearing of livestock or disinfecting pens, barns or poultry houses
- Manage businesses which provide agricultural crop services such as plowing, irrigating, cultivating, spraying or harvesting
- Hire and train workers
- Negotiate with farmers and farm managers regarding the services to be provided
- Maintain financial and operational records
- May participate in the provision of the service or in the operation of machinery and equipment.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may start with checking weather, schedules, equipment, and the jobs booked for the day. The manager may speak with farmers to confirm what service is needed, then organize workers and equipment. During the day, they may supervise crews in the field or barns, check quality and safety, and solve problems if plans change. They may also inspect machinery, keep track of work completed, and update records for costs, hours, or service details. At times, they may help with the work directly, especially when the crew is busy or specialized equipment is involved.
SKILLS TO BUILD