Farmers, Ranchers and other agraculture manegers

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically work outdoors and may spend some time in offices. They sometimes do strenuous physical work. Some farmers work primarily with crops and vegetables. Other farmers and ranchers handle livestock. During the planting and harvesting seasons, those who work on crop farms may work from sunrise to sunset. During the rest of the year, they plan next season’s crops, market their output, and repair machinery. On livestock-producing farms and ranches, work is ongoing. Animals, unless they are grazing, must be fed and given fresh water every day, and dairy cows milked two to three times a day. Many livestock and dairy farmers monitor and attend to the health of their herds, which may include assisting in births. These farmers and ranchers rarely get the chance to get away unless they hire an assistant or arrange for a substitute. On very large farms, farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural mangers may spend a lot of time meeting with farm supervisors. Professional agricultural managers overseeing several farms may divide their time between traveling to meet farmers and planning operations in their offices. More farmers and managers are using computers in managing their businesses. The work environment for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers can be hazardous. Tractors and other farm machinery can cause serious injury, so workers must be alert on the job. They must operate equipment and handle chemicals properly to avoid accidents and safeguard the surrounding environment. Most farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers work full time. Farmers and farm managers on crop farms usually work from sunrise to sunset during the planting and harvesting seasons. The rest of the year, they plan next season's crops, market their output, and repair machinery. On livestock-producing farms and ranches, work goes on throughout the year. Animals require care every day. On very large farms, farmers and farm managers spend time meeting farm supervisors. Managers who oversee several farms may divide their time between traveling to meet farmers or landowners and planning the farm operations in their offices.