Careers in Production Agriculture

Rancher

Job Description

Livestock ranchers breed and sell animals for food. Products vary for each ranch depending on the geographic location, climate and space available. Cattle, pigs and poultry are a few of the animals raised for food. Sheep and goats are raised for wool and dairy products.

Skills

• Ranchers must keep detailed financial records and be active in the marketing and sale of their products
• They use computer technology to manage ranch business
• They negotiate with financial institutions to obtain loans for purchase of livestock, machinery and other necessary items
• Those who hire employees are responsible for setting policies, ensuring efficiency and keeping salary and scheduling information
• Making sure the livestock is fed, given water, kept in humane living conditions and successfully reproducing are all part of a rancher's duties
• Additional duties include assisting in the birth of animals, castrating, shearing, docking, dehorning, branding or tagging

Preparation

Although there are no formal education requirements, a college degree is becoming increasingly important for success in the field.