Farmers and ranchers in this country direct the activities of one of the world's largest and most productive agricultural sectors. Because farms and ranches are increasing in size and mechanization, farming takes a great deal of money and skills. The typical farmer or rancher is manager, crew boss, laborer, and bookkeeper, and may own or rent the operation. The type of work is determined by the size and type of farm or ranch. On crop farms, operators are responsible for planning, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, and harvesting.
Crops have to be stored, packaged, loaded, and marketed.
On livestock, dairy, and poultry farms, operators must plan, feed and care for animals, and keep buildings clean and in repair. They also may oversee breeding. Farm operators must make many managerial decisions. Their output is influenced by disease, weather, changes in prices of farm products, and Federal farm programs. They must determine the time of planting, decide what to grow or raise, and secure loans.