Crop Farmer

Persuade

Knowledge is our most powerful engine of production.

Katelyn Duncan
Crop Farmer

In A Nutshell

I grow food for people, feed for animals, and sometimes crops used to make fuel.

I manage farm workers, keep financial and production records, and handle buying and caring for machines and buildings.

I research new crop types, soil treatments, machinery, and technology to help make smart growing decisions.

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Potential Salary Range

$43,000 - 71,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta AB
Alberta
British Columbia BC
British Columbia
Manitoba MB
Manitoba
New Brunswick NB
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador NL
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia NS
Nova Scotia
Ontario ON
Ontario
Prince Edward Island PEI
Prince Edward Island
Quebec QC
Quebec
Saskwatchewan SK
Saskwatchewan

My work changes all year! During the busy season, I plant seeds, check on crops in the fields, spray for pests, and harvest. In the off-season, I’m in the office planning and handling paperwork.

Workplace

Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

  • Research and purchase seeds to plant for the season
  • Prepare the soil for planting
  • Prepare machinery for use in the field, and maintain it year-round
  • Train employees on how to identify crop pests and diseases
  • Manage finances and ensure employees and expenses are paid on time
  • Oversee and participate in planting and harvesting
  • Understand fertilizer and pesticide requirements, and make decisions about applications
  • Manage our crops throughout the growing season, and coordinate the sale and transportation of crops after harvest
  • Research crop and machinery innovations, and keep up to speed on industry trends and global crop markets

Education & Training

  • While no post-secondary education is required, a college or university degree in an agriculture-related field is very beneficial. 
  • People that are interested in this career will need to get hands-on experience in farm management in order to set themselves up for success.
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Job Outlook

    Working in this field takes a lot of time and money, like other business careers. There will always be a need for food producers in Canada, so job opportunities are strong.

Related School Subjects

Ed. Prof. et Tech.
Science
Career Education
69 Math

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Crops Growing Farming Food

Important Skills

Organizational

I’m responsible for running many different aspects of our cropping business; I have very developed coordination and organization skills so all aspects are given the right amount of attention.

Critical Thinking

I work with many professionals like agronomists, traders, and lawyers. I listen to their advice, then think carefully to decide what’s best for my family’s farm, since we’re responsible for our own decisions.

Money Management

Running a farm means growing, harvesting, and selling crops to make money. To keep the farm successful, I need to understand how to manage costs, create budgets, and watch market prices.

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Adaptability

So much of this job is dependent on the weather and other factors that are beyond my control. Crop farmers have to be able to adapt and respond effectively to unexpected challenges.

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Independent Work
Own Boss
Flexible Work Environment
Seasonality
Improves and Protects the Environment
Making a Difference in the World