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Cooperative Extension Service |
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Agricultural
Experiment Station |
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4-H Programs
Life Skills
Evaluation
Dale Bumpers College
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Farmer or Farm Manager
Farmers may be owners or tenants who rent the use of land. The type of farm they operate determines their specific tasks. On crop farms -- farms growing grain, cotton, and other fibers, fruit, and vegetables -- farmers are responsible for planning, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, and harvesting. After the harvest, they make sure the crops are properly packaged, stored, or marketed. Livestock, dairy, and poultry farmers must feed, plan, and care for the animals and keep barns, pens, coops, and other farm buildings clean and in good condition. They also oversee breeding and marketing activities. Horticultural specialty farmers oversee the production of ornamental plants, nursery products -- such as flowers, bulbs, shrubbery, and sod -- and fruits and vegetables grown in greenhouses. Aquaculture farmers raise fish and shellfish in marine, brackish, or fresh water, usually in ponds, floating net pens, raceways, or recirculating systems. They stock, feed, and protect. Experience and Education Growing up on a family farm and participating in agricultural programs for young people (example: the 4-H youth educational programs) are important sources of training for those interested in pursuing agriculture as a career. High school training should include courses in mathematics and biology and other life sciences. Completion of a 2-year and preferably a 4-year bachelor's degree program in a college of agriculture is becoming increasingly important. Common programs of study include agronomy, dairy science, agricultural economics and business, horticulture, crop and fruit science, and animal science. For students interested in aquaculture, formal programs are available, and include coursework in fisheries biology, fish culture, hatchery management and maintenance, and hydrology. Whatever one's interest, the college curriculum should include courses in agricultural production, marketing, and economics. |
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University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture |
Mission
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Disclaimer
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EEO
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American farmers and farm managers direct the activities of one of the world's largest and most productive
agricultural sectors. They produce enough food and fiber to meet the needs of our Nation and
for export.