The Job Duties of a Farmer
Farmers are responsible for harvesting crops, animal products and other natural fibers for domestic consumption and export. Agriculture professionals also work on ranches, nurses, greenhouses and timber tracts. Farmers must consider factors such as disease, bad weather and the economy when planting, harvesting and marketing crops. As a result, farmers must be strategic planners and use various methods to take advantage of favorable pricing for products.
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Crop Production
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One of the farmer's primary duties is deciding the best time to plant, harvest and prepare common crops such as grain, cotton, nuts, fruit, flowers and vegetables. Farmers must be versed in tilling, planting, cultivating, fertilizing and protecting food and fibers to produce quality crops for mass consumption. After harvesting, farmers package, store and sell the crops to produce a profit for the farm. Other duties include creating planting and harvesting schedules, and coordinating production activities with other farmers.
Livestock
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Besides caring for farm animals such as chicken and cows, farmers may produce fish, shellfish and other marine life in raceways (man-made tanks), floating net pens and ponds. Farmers ensure that animal quarters--barns, chicken coops, pens and other animal dwellings--are clean. Livestock must be healthy, well-fed and watered daily. Ranchers and farmers also assist with animal births and monitor breeding rates among their livestock.
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Administrative Tasks
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Farmers operating large pieces of land must hire and supervise staff to manage the day-to-day production duties of maintaining livestock and crops. Farm managers spend a significant amount of time meeting with farm supervisors, landowners and other managers. Though some farmers perform physical work, more farmers work in offices with computers to track and monitor their business. Farmers attend agricultural conferences and events to learn about the latest farming techniques and technologies, and exchange information with industry peers.
Training and Educational Duties
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Although farmers can earn an associate's or bachelor's degree at an agriculture college, most receive training on farms. More experienced farmers teach entry-level farmers how weather patterns, fertilizers, feeding, seeding and animal breeding affect the production of crops and care of animals. Farmers and ranchers who manage small farms may accept apprentices, teaching them farming and ranching skills.
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References
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- Photo Credit Cows image by nirbo from Fotolia.com
