How Do I Get into Farm Management?

A farm manager is a person who oversees daily operations of a farm or farming business. Getting into farm management starts in high school; the student should pay close attention to math and science courses, and communications skills will certainly be necessary. After completing a high school education or equivalent qualification, it will be necessary to enroll in a two- or four-year degree program at a college or university. Some agricultural universities will offer specific degrees in farm management, while other colleges and universities may offer a broader agricultural degree. Business courses are also good to take to prepare for the daily operations of a farm.

The college degree will qualify you to enter the farm management field, but the important next step will be finding jobs that will give you the experience most employers prefer in a candidate. While you work on your degree, it would be a good idea to seek out internships or part-time work on a farm so you can gain valuable experience that will boost your resume. Most employers prefer to hire managers who are business-savvy, but most importantly, they will look for job candidates in the field of farm management who have worked on a farm and are familiar with the basic processes and practices of farming.

It is also a good idea to consider specializing in a specific type of farming. If, for example, corn is the major crop in your area, you may want to spend some of your schooling learning about the corn industry. Some types of farms use specific farming practices, and you can learn more about these specific practices in order to be prepared to enter the field of farm management for such farms. You will benefit from learning as much as possible about various aspects of the farming process.

Be prepared to take an entry-level position in farm management. You may end up working as an assistant to the farm manager at first. Consider this a great opportunity to learn from a more experienced manager and to hone your own skills while earning money on the job. Remember that a career in farm management may take several years to develop, and you will have to work your way up through the ranks to get the position you want. Work hard and demonstrate an ability as a problem solver, a business savvy manager, and an employee with great work ethic in order to get ahead.