Also called: Rancher, Livestock Producer
Owns or manages a ranch that raises cattle for beef.
Checks water tanks and fences at sunrise, moves cattle to fresh pasture on horseback or ATV, pulls a calf during a hard birth in a February snowstorm, and makes decisions about when to sell. Income swings with cattle prices and weather.
BLS May 2024 (farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers); income very variable.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. Usually learned growing up on a ranch; many earn degrees in animal science or agribusiness.
Ways in: On-the-job training, 4-year college, Self-taught. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Animal Science, Agriculture, Biology, Agribusiness.
Growing slowly (about 0% over 10 years). Little or no change expected.
Low risk for 10 years. Drones, GPS collars and virtual fencing help track herds; calving, doctoring cattle and running the ranch stay physical and owner-run.
Classes: Agriscience (FFA), Ag business or economics, Welding CTE, Biology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 11-9013.
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