Manager

Herd

Career Overview

What They Do

Source: AgExplorer.com

A herdsman typically manages the day-to-day farm operations for the farm/ranch owner. Many times, a herdsman will live on the property to be close to the animals at all times of the day. Their duties include caring for sick animals themselves or calling the veterinarian, managing breeding programs, maintaining fences, transporting animals and keeping thorough records to better inform the farm/ranch owner.

Job Duties

Source: AgExplorer.com

Identify and care for sick animals
Manage a breeding program
Conduct artificial insemination
Build and repair new and existing fences
Work independently and as a team
Operate heavy equipment and semi tractor-trailers
Assist with birthing
Maintain wells, pipelines, property and equipment
Transport animals to market
Keep thorough records
Communicate with the farm/ranch owner on a regular basis

Job Earnings

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (**2019 Median Annual Salary)

Median Annual Salary: $67,950 ($32.67/hour)
Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $35,440 ($17.04/hour)
Top 10% Annual Salary: $136,940 ($65.84/hour)

Education/Training Requirements

Source: AgCareers.com

An associate or bachelor’s degree in animal science or a livestock related field is expected. Experience working with livestock is also needed. There are also experiential training programs you may participate in in lieu of college.

Job Outlook & Growth

Source: AgCareers.com

The future outlook for a herdsman will be good over the next five years.

Career Pathway

Ways to Start Preparing for Your Future Career TODAY!

Middle & High School Opportunities

Source: AgCareers.com

Classes to Take:
- Agriculture Classes
- Animal Science
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Clubs/Extracurricular Activities:
- FFA
- 4H
- Animal Science/Vet Camp (Grades 6-9)
BOCES/Career & Technical Education Programs
- Genesee Valley BOCES
  - Animal Science Program (Batavia & Mt. Morris Campuses)
- Orleans-Niagara BOCES
  - Animal Science
Volunteer Opportunities
- Genesee County:
  - Genesee County Animal Shelter
  - Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship
- Livingston County:
  - Humane Society of Livingston County
  - Livingston County Dog Control
- Orleans County
  - Orleans County Animal Shelter
  - PAWS of Orleans County
- Wyoming County
  - A New Start Kitty Shelter
  - Wyoming County SPCA

Local Colleges/Training

Local Career Connection

Natasha Sutherland

Stein Farms

Le Roy, NY

Deeper Dive

Dairy Student Experience

SUNY Morrisville Mustangs

Designing the Digital Future of Dairy Herd Management

Cornell University

Where Can I Work?

Local GLOW Companies With Herd Manager Jobs

This is a selection of businesses in the region offering this career. That does not mean that there are currently positions available. For information on companies who are hiring right now, please visit https://newyork.usnlx.com/

If you would like to see your business listed here in the future, please email us at GLOWWithYourHands@Gmail.com.