Managers in agriculture

Overview

Managers in agriculture plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations and functions of farms. They are responsible for growing crops, raising and breeding livestock, poultry and other animals, marketing farm products and enhancing farms' sustainability through, notably, the implementation of new technologies. They usually own and operate their own establishment.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Manage the overall operations of a farm, ranch or orchard

  • Determine the amount and kinds of crops to be grown and livestock to be raised

  • Organize and co-ordinate planting, cultivating and crop harvesting activities; raising and breeding of livestock and poultry

  • Hire and manage farm personnel

  • Establish a marketing program

  • Develop and keep financial and production records

  • Purchase farm machinery, livestock, seed, feed and other supplies

  • Maintain farm machinery, equipment and buildings

  • Perform farming duties.

  • May collect data and use digital technology tools and equipment to enhance the sustainability of the farm.

  • Managers in agriculture manage farms of various sizes which may specialize in particular crops such as wheat, apples or potatoes or raise particular livestock such as beef cattle, swine or poultry.

Job titles

  • animal breeder
  • animal farmer
  • apiarist
  • apiculturist
  • apple grower
  • apple producer

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition

Annual salary

Low

-

Median

$28,000

High

-

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

1,454

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Extensive farming experience, obtained as a farm supervisor or specialized crop or livestock worker or by working on a farm, is usually required.

  • A university degree or college diploma in agricultural management or other field related to crop or livestock production may be required.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Work Experience

Work experience recommended

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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