Career roadmap
How to Become a Farm Manager
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a farm manager, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a farm manager: (1) gain farm experience, (2) study agriculture, (3) learn the business, (4) take on management, (5) own or manage a farm. Most people need about 5+ years of farm experience. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a farm manager
Gain farm experience
Work on farms or ranches.
Study agriculture
Take courses or earn a degree.
Learn the business
Budgets, loans and marketing.
Take on management
Manage crops or livestock.
Own or manage a farm
Lead an operation.
Education and training requirements
A high school diploma plus years of farm experience is typical. Many farm managers have degrees in agriculture or agribusiness.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | 5 years or more |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Typical training time | 5+ years of farm experience |
Certifications and licenses
- Private pesticide applicator license: Required to apply restricted pesticides.
- Beef Quality Assurance (BQA): Livestock handling certification.
- Certified Crop Adviser (CCA): Agronomy credential.
- Accredited Farm Manager (AFM): ASFMRA credential.
Skills to build now
Start with crop and livestock management, farm equipment, and farm finance, and practice decision making and resilience. Learning the farm manager vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Farmworker: Learn farm tasks.
- Crew Leader or Herdsman: Lead tasks.
- Farm Manager: Run operations.
- Farm Owner: Own an operation.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Farm Manager training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do farm managers need a degree?
Not always, but agriculture degrees help.
How long does it take to become a farm manager?
Most people need about 5+ years of farm experience of training. A high school diploma plus years of farm experience is typical. Many farm managers have degrees in agriculture or agribusiness.
Do you need a degree to be a farm manager?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
What certifications are available for farm managers?
Common credentials include Private pesticide applicator license, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), Certified Crop Adviser (CCA), and Accredited Farm Manager (AFM). Farmers who apply restricted-use pesticides need a private applicator license. Farms must follow environmental and labor regulations.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-9013 (Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.