![]() Where to Go for More InformationĮarnings vary depending on location, investment, and size of the farm. However, grain farmers take pride in running their own businesses. Crop yields and market prices are variable and uncertain. To be successful, grain producers must keep careful records, fill out forms, and study the latest developments in farm journals or classes. For example, a stretch of bad weather may delay the scheduled planting or harvesting. During their busy season farmers may work long and irregular hours. Grain farmers lead active, outdoor lives. The total number of farms and farmers is expected to decrease through the year 2012. Improved farming methods, however, farmers will be able to produce bigger crops on fewer acres. Agriculture, including grain production, is a steadily growing industry. Grain farmers often buy more land to increase the size of their operation. Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook Career offices and teachers in agricultural colleges can offer job leads and placement assistance. Others beginning in this field start as tenant farmers, so they can gain experience and earn an income that may eventually allow them to own and run their own farms. ![]() With many years of experience, a farm hand can become a farm manager. One way to get into the field is to start as a hired hand or technical worker on a farm. To start a grain farm, a prospective farmer must have or be able to borrow a great deal of money. Interested students should take courses in crop production, business administration, and marketing. Two-year colleges also offer useful courses. Many four-year colleges offer programs in agriculture. As a result, many grain farmers are college trained. Education and Training RequirementsĪlmost all sizable grain farms are heavily mechanized and require good management skills. Farmers try to store their harvest and sell it when prices go up. They can exchange the receipt for cash when the grain is sold. At the grain elevator farmers are given a receipt for the grain. Some take their harvest to terminal grain elevators located near railroads or other means of transportation. Some farmers have their own storage facilities. Grain is generally stored after the harvest. Some farmers sell their crop through farmers' cooperatives. ![]() Even with a good crop, the farmer can lose money if demand or prices are low. Marketing the crop wisely is the key to successful grain farming. ![]() ![]() Some farmers hire private contractors for specific jobs, such as harvesting or threshing. They generally use chemical sprays and dusts for In addition, they plan methods of controlling weeds, insects, and disease. They select planting times and the depth at which seeds should be planted. Grain farmers must know the best way to prepare fields and understand the varieties of grain they plan to grow. At other times of the year, they may work at jobs away from the farm to earn a living. Farmers are busiest during planting and harvesting times. Because grain farming is highly mechanized, farmers invest heavily in equipment, land, and buildings. Grain farmers grow crops used for animal feed or as food for people. Grain farms range in size from 375 acres to more than fifteen hundred acres. Some farms are owned by large corporations that hire farm managers to oversee the operation. Many grain farmers own their land and work for themselves. Farmers generally specialize in two or three types of grain. Grain farmers grow grains such as corn, wheat, rye, and others, including grain sorghums. Education and Training: Varies-see profileĮmployment Outlook: Poor Definition and Nature of the Work ![]()
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