Essential Information
Traditionally, farmers and farm managers have relied more on work experience than educational requirements. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more and more professionals in this field are earning degrees at postsecondary institutions in order to better understand the ever-changing and increasingly complex issues of farm management. While an associate's degree can prepare individuals to work in farm management, bachelor's and graduate degrees can prepare them for careers in sales, agribusiness and consultation.
Program specializations include farm management, agribusiness and agricultural science, among others. Many programs include internships, and master's degree students typically must complete a thesis. A high school diploma is required to enroll in associate's and bachelor's degree programs. Master's degree applicants must meet minimum GPA requirements and may be required to have a background in calculus, economics and statistics.
Associate of Applied Science in Farm Management
While earning 2-year degrees, students can learn about marketing, soil science, agronomy, pest management, computerized record keeping and precision agriculture. Curricula often cover environmental techniques, like water conservation, crop rotation and genetic diversification within herds of livestock. Internships are required of most program participants so students can get hands-on training in planting, administrative duties and harvesting.
In addition to improving communication and leadership skills, programs may teach students mechanics, natural resources, technology and productivity in the crop and livestock industries. Material covered in these types of programs includes:
- Beef management
- First aid
- Microeconomics
- Risk management
- Welding
Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Studies
Because farm management concentrations in 4-year programs cover the principles of business as applied to agriculture, these programs can be called agribusiness or agricultural studies. Students learn about finance, asset appraisal and how to make effective business decisions. In lieu of internships, a student might be able to complete a research paper on an agricultural topic of interest.
Budding farm managers can study animal science, soil management and livestock production in order to make well-informed decisions that increase productivity while minimizing effort exerted. Programs can offer training in:
- Agricultural marketing
- Agricultural law
- Commodity futures
- Economics
- Rangeland vegetation
- Weed science
Farm Management Certificate
A certificate program in farm management is available to students who have earned a bachelor's degree. Voluntary certification as an Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) is available through ASFMRA or the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. After taking ASFMRA courses, an individual who has at least four years of farm management experience in addition to a 4-year degree qualify to take the AFM exam. Additionally, applicants for this credential must be members of ASFMRA. Once accredited, individuals must periodically complete a certain amount of continuing education credits to remain in good standing.
Master of Science in Agricultural Economics
While delving more deeply into the principles of economics, master's students can learn to analyze investments, mitigate financial risks and optimize opportunities for growth. Programs take 18-24 months to complete; both thesis and non-thesis options are available. The thesis option is recommended for those interested in continuing on to Ph.D. studies. The non-thesis option is designed for those who would like to complete an internship.
At this level, students are able to concentrate in topics like finance, agricultural policy, marketing, managerial economics, international trade, the economics of natural resources, commodity futures and real estate. Graduate programs can teach students about agricultural finance and how item price affects consumer confidence. Commonly offered coursework includes:
- Agribusiness management
- Financial management
- Financial risk analysis
- International trade
- Production economics
Popular Career Options
Agriculture and natural resources employees can find jobs in market analysis firms, county offices of agriculture, feedlot operations and land and asset appraisal companies. Among these, bachelor's degree holders might work as:
- Credit analysis officers
- Commodities brokers
- Landscape contractors
Graduate degree holders are prepared for placement in food processing, retail food operations, and environmental policy. Positions available to master's program graduates include:
- Agricultural policy analyst
- Farm manager
- Real estate appraisal consultant
- Small business manager
Employment Outlook
According to 2019-2029 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, employment of ranch, farm and agricultural managers is expected to decrease by 6%. Statistics from 2019 report an average annual wage of $80,360 for those in this profession.
Continuing Education
Scholars interested in furthering their academic training can apply for admission into Ph.D.-level agricultural economics programs. Graduates from doctoral level programs are prepared for careers in teaching or research as well as jobs at institutions like the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Those accredited with farm management certification must periodically complete a certain amount of continuing education credits to remain in good standing.
More and more aspiring farmers and farm professionals are pursuing postsecondary educations in order to be prepared for a challenging and complex farm industry landscape. Degree programs at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels prepare graduates not only for work on farms, but also for employment in farm research, policy and economics.