High School Diploma or GED

Work Experience in Agriculture

Associate Degree in an agriculture-related field

Bachelor's Degree in an agriculture-related field is sometimes required

; The table below lists the level of education attained by a subset of workers in this occupation. The workers surveyed were between age 25 and 44.

May work every day, especially if caring for livestock.

Usually work long hours, especially during planting or harvesting times.

May not get away from work, unless they can hire someone to take over their duties.

May travel to conferences during winter months to learn new techniques.

May work full time or part time.

; FARM & RANCH MANAGERS & OPERATORS will:

Duties vary by the size of the farm

Manage livestock, crops, equipment, buildings, and employees

Deal with external customers

FARM & RANCH MANAGERS & OPERATORS frequently:

Stand, but spend some time sitting at desk as well.

Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important that FARM & RANCH MANAGERS & OPERATORS be able to:

See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Understand the speech of another person.

Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.