Career: Pig and Poultry Farmers
Agricultural Research Service/ Keith Weller
While an egg may be the most beautifully simple design in nature, producing one is no simple task. Laying hens need the right mix of nutrients, lighting, ventilation, and water to produce a good egg. Like poultry farmers, pig farmers must make sure their animals get the food, water, and medicine they need.
Many pig and poultry farmers are finding a new niche, specializing in organic chickens or pigs, offering free-range eggs or hormone-free pork to shoppers.
Pig and poultry farmers raise pigs or chickens and other fowl for maximum health and yield, making sure they meet health regulations.
Did You Know?
- Many pig and poultry farmers contract their services out, raising herds or flocks provided by large companies.
Are You Ready To...?
- Vaccinate your herd against disease
- Keep careful records of any illnesses or deaths in your herd or flock
- Make sure your buildings meet safety and health regulations
- Learn basic veterinary skills
- Decide which feed to use
- Keep records of purchases and sales for tax purposes
- Maintain a computerized customer database
It Helps to Be...
Interested in new technology. Better ventilation and lighting systems can help make pigs and chickens healthier.
Make High School Count
- Take science courses such as biology and chemistry. These will help you understand how to mix feed and medicine, as well as giving you insight into how pigs and chickens live and grow.
- Learn more about food in consumer and family studies classes.
- Start building the skills you’ll need to run a business. Pay attention in English and math and sign up for classes in computers, business, and accounting.
- Join FFA or participate in 4-H programs.
- Work on a local farm.
Did You Know?
- The overuse of antibiotics to keep herds and flocks healthy has become a growing concern for farmers, veterinarians, and shoppers.
Outlook
Government economists predict that small farms will continue to go out of business through 2016. However, there is some good news: Many of today’s farmers are expected to retire in the coming years, and they will need to be replaced. At the same time, fewer people are choosing farming as a career. Some small-scale farmers have found specialties, such as organic pork and chicken products, that help them succeed.
Compensation
The earnings of pig and poultry farmers vary widely depending on farm size and the products made. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, farm, ranch, and other agricultural managers who are paid to run the businesses earned an average yearly income of $62,400 in 2008. Farmers and ranchers who own or rent the properties earned an average of $49,140.
