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Occupation Description

On a paid basis, manage farms, ranches, aquacultural operations, greenhouses, nurseries, timber tracts, cotton gins, packing houses, or other agricultural establishments for employers. Carry out production, financial, and marketing decisions relating to the managed operations following guidelines from the owner. May contract tenant farmers or producers to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and marketing activities. May prepare cost, production, and other records. May perform physical work and operate machinery.

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State and National Wages

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

Location	Pay Period	2008
		10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
United States	Hourly	$15.07	$20.17	$27.03	$36.87	$49.77
	Yearly	$31,300	$42,000	$56,200	$76,700	$103,500
South Carolina	Hourly	—	—	—	—	—
	Yearly	—	—	—	—	—

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

• High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
• Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
• Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

• High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
• Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
• Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Occupation Wages FAQs

Median Wage by Occupation Across States
Compare Wages by Occupation and Local Area
Compare Wages by Metropolitan Areas

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: South Carolina Wage Information

State and National Trends

Occupation Trends FAQs

Employment Trends by Occupation Across States
Compare Employment Trends by Occupation
Employment Trends by Industry and Occupation

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections
State Data Source: South Carolina Employment Security Commission

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Farm, Ranch, and Other Agricultural Managers are grouped into the following occupations for which the most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed.

• Aquacultural Managers
• Crop and Livestock Managers
• Nursery and Greenhouse Managers

Knowledge:

• Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
• Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Skills:

• Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Management of Financial Resources - Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Abilities:

• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
• Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Aquacultural Managers.

Knowledge:

• Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
• Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills:

• Management of Financial Resources - Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Abilities:

• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Crop and Livestock Managers.

Knowledge:

• Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
• Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Skills:

• Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Abilities:

• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
• Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Nursery and Greenhouse Managers.

Tasks and Activities

Farm, Ranch, and Other Agricultural Managers are grouped into the following occupations for which occupation specific tasks, the most important generalized work activities, and detailed work activities are listed.

• Aquacultural Managers
• Crop and Livestock Managers
• Nursery and Greenhouse Managers

Occupation Specific Tasks:

• Account for and disburse funds.
• Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
• Collect information regarding techniques for fish collection and fertilization, spawn incubation, and treatment of spawn and fry.
• Conduct and supervise stock examinations in order to identify diseases or parasites.
• Confer with biologists, fish pathologists, and other fishery personnel to obtain data concerning fish habits, diseases, food, and environmental requirements.
• Coordinate the selection and maintenance of brood stock.
• Design and construct pens, floating stations, and collector strings or fences for sea farms.
• Determine how to allocate resources, and how to respond to unanticipated problems such as insect infestation, drought, and fire.
• Determine, administer, and execute policies relating to operations administration and standards, and facility maintenance.
• Devise and participate in activities to improve fish hatching and growth rates, and to prevent disease in hatcheries.
• Direct and monitor the transfer of mature fish to lakes, ponds, streams, or commercial tanks.
• Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
• Grow fish and shellfish as cash crops or for release into freshwater or saltwater.
• Identify environmental requirements of a particular species, and select and oversee the preparation of sites for species cultivation.
• Monitor environments to ensure maintenance of optimum conditions for aquatic life.
• Operate and maintain cultivating and harvesting equipment.
• Prepare reports required by state and federal laws.
• Scuba dive in order to inspect sea farm operations.
• Supervise and train aquaculture and fish hatchery support workers.

Generalized Work Activities:

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Detailed Work Activities:

• account for or dispense funds
• conduct research on work-related topics
• confer with research personnel
• coordinate through subordinate supervisory personnel
• determine policies related to administration, standards, or facility maintenance
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• monitor number or type of fish reared or harvested
• observe fish or beds or ponds
• oversee execution of organizational or program policies
• perform safety inspections in agricultural, forestry, or fishing setting
• prepare budget reports
• prepare financial reports
• prepare reports
• prepare required government reports
• process payroll documents, records, or checks
• use fish culturing techniques

Source: Occupational Information Network: Aquacultural Managers.

Occupation Specific Tasks:

• Analyze market conditions to determine acreage allocations.
• Analyze soil to determine types and quantities of fertilizer required for maximum production.
• Confer with buyers to arrange for the sale of crops.
• Contract with farmers or independent owners for raising of crops, or for management of crop production.
• Coordinate growing activities with activities of related departments such as engineering, equipment maintenance, and packing.
• Determine procedural changes in drying, grading, storage, and shipment processes in order to provide greater efficiency and accuracy.
• Direct and coordinate worker activities such as planting, irrigation, chemical application, harvesting, and grading.
• Enforce applicable safety regulations.
• Evaluate financial statements and make budget proposals.
• Hire, discharge, transfer, and promote workers.
• Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Inspect orchards and fields to determine maturity dates of crops, or to estimate potential crop damage from weather.
• Negotiate with bank officials to obtain credit.
• Plan and direct development and production of hybrid plant varieties with high yields or with disease or insect resistance.
• Purchase machinery, equipment, and supplies such as tractors, seed, fertilizer, and chemicals.
• Record information such as production figures, farm management practices, and parent stock data, and prepare financial and operational reports.

Generalized Work Activities:

• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities:

• analyze financial data
• analyze market conditions
• analyze soil to determine type or quantity of fertilizer required
• compile data for financial reports
• confer with other departmental heads to coordinate activities
• develop budgets
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• hire, discharge, transfer, or promote workers
• identify crop characteristics
• identify fruit or vegetable or crops ready for harvest
• identify problems or improvements
• inspect crops or fields
• inspect crops to determine quality
• maintain or repair farm vehicles, machinery, or mechanical implements
• maintain records, reports, or files
• manage contracts
• negotiate business contracts
• order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
• oversee execution of organizational or program policies
• oversee sales programs
• perform safety inspections in agricultural, forestry, or fishing setting
• plan development or production of hybrid plant varieties
• plant, cultivate, or harvest crops, including aquaculture
• prepare financial reports
• prepare reports
• recognize plant diseases
• recommend improvements to work methods or procedures
• resolve agricultural production problems
• use knowledge of sales contracts
• use sales techniques

Source: Occupational Information Network: Crop and Livestock Managers.

Occupation Specific Tasks:

• Apply pesticides and fertilizers to plants.
• Assign work schedules and duties to nursery or greenhouse staff, and supervise their work.
• Confer with horticultural personnel in order to plan facility renovations or additions.
• Construct structures and accessories such as greenhouses and benches.
• Coordinate clerical, recordkeeping, inventory, requisitioning, and marketing activities.
• Cut and prune trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants.
• Determine plant growing conditions, such as greenhouses, hydroponics, or natural settings, and set planting and care schedules.
• Determine types and quantities of horticultural plants to be grown, based on budgets, projected sales volumes, and/or executive directives.
• Explain and enforce safety regulations and policies.
• Graft plants.
• Hire employees, and train them in gardening techniques.
• Identify plants as well as problems such as diseases, weeds, and insect pests.
• Inspect facilities and equipment for signs of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work.
• Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
• Negotiate contracts such as those for land leases or tree purchases.
• Position and regulate plant irrigation systems, and program environmental and irrigation control computers.
• Prepare soil for planting, and plant or transplant seeds, bulbs, and cuttings.
• Provide information to customers on the care of trees, shrubs, flowers, plants, and lawns.
• Select and purchase seeds, plant nutrients, disease control chemicals, and garden and lawn care equipment.
• Tour work areas to observe work being done, to inspect crops, and to evaluate plant and soil conditions.

Generalized Work Activities:

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Detailed Work Activities:

• advise clients or customers
• analyze soil to determine type or quantity of fertilizer required
• assign work to staff or employees
• conduct or attend staff meetings
• coordinate staff or activities in clerical support setting
• develop budgets
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• direct workers in planting, irrigating, cultivating, harvesting, or marketing
• estimate product demand
• evaluate information from employment interviews
• evaluate performance of employees or contract personnel
• hire, discharge, transfer, or promote workers
• inspect crops or fields
• inspect growing environment
• judge soil conditions
• negotiate business contracts
• observe plants, flowers, shrubs or trees to ascertain condition
• order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
• orient new employees
• oversee execution of organizational or program policies
• oversee sales programs
• plan development or production of hybrid plant varieties
• prepare rental or lease agreement
• provide customer service
• resolve agricultural production problems
• use inventory control procedures
• use marketing techniques

Source: Occupational Information Network: Nursery and Greenhouse Managers.

Tools and Technology

Crop and Livestock Managers  View Detailed Report

Tools:

• Animal husbandry equipment - Animal feeders, Artificial insemination kits, Cattle chutes
• Cultivators - Rototillers, Spaders
• Fertilizer spreaders or distributors - Drop spreaders, Manure spreaders
• Harvesters - Grain carts, Harvesters
• Haymaking machinery - Hay balers, Hay cutters

Technology:

• Accounting software - AgData Blue Skies Accounting, Datatech The Farmer's Office, Famous Software Famous, Intuit QuickBooks, Intuit Quicken software
• Analytical or scientific software - CROPS, Central Valley Nutritional Associates Formulate2, DairyNet Dairy Profit Analyzer, KS Dairy Consulting Feed Supervisor, Sunrise Software CropSave
• Data base user interface and query software - Data entry software, PigCHAMP Care 3000
• Electronic mail software - IBM Lotus Notes, Microsoft Outlook
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Accutech Systems Corporation AccuFarm-MGR, Agricultural Data Systems DataTrack, Brihzon Solutions SMART Dairy Resource Planning, CattleWorks, Cattlesoft CattleMax

Source: Occupational Information Network: Crop and Livestock Managers.

Education and Training

Occupation: Farm, Ranch, and Other Agricultural Managers
Most Common Educational/Training Level: Bachelor's or higher degree, plus work experience
Related Instructional Programs:

• Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
• Agricultural Animal Breeding
• Agricultural Business and Management, General
• Agricultural Business and Management, Other
• Agricultural Production Operations, General
• Agricultural Production Operations, Other
• Agronomy and Crop Science
• Animal Nutrition
• Animal Sciences, General
• Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production
• Crop Production
• Dairy Husbandry and Production
• Dairy Science
• Farm/Farm and Ranch Management
• Greenhouse Operations and Management
• Horse Husbandry/Equine Science and Management
• Horticultural Science
• Livestock Management
• Ornamental Horticulture
• Plant Nursery Operations and Management
• Plant Protection and Integrated Pest Management
• Plant Sciences, General
• Poultry Science
• Range Science and Management

WIA Eligible Training Provider List: http://www.workforcesouthcarolina.com/provider/

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections (Education/Training Level, Educational Attainment); National Center for Education Statistics (Typical Instructional Programs)

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