What does on-farm work include?
On-farm careers happen on a farm or ranch. They include owners and managers, hired workers, herd and crop specialists, equipment operators and farm staff who handle records and finances. Many of these jobs are described in the farmer and agricultural worker pages of the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Some people spend their whole careers on the farm, while others use farm experience as a base for other roles.
These careers keep you close to the land and the daily cycle of the operation. They often involve variable hours, outdoor conditions and the responsibility of keeping a business or herd going.
Farm managers and owners also spend a lot of time on paperwork, hiring, equipment decisions and planning, so the job is not only outdoor work.
What does off-farm work include?
Off-farm careers support agriculture from elsewhere. They include jobs at equipment dealers, seed and feed companies, grain elevators, food plants, banks and credit lenders, veterinary clinics, research labs, universities and government agencies.
Some off-farm jobs still involve travel to farms and time outdoors. Others take place in offices or shops. Read the job duties for details instead of assuming. Many off-farm roles value farm experience, so time on a farm can help later even if you move away from it.
Government roles with USDA agencies, conservation districts and extension offices are also off-farm options, and the USDA careers page explains how federal hiring works.
- Dealers, repair shops and parts counters
- Seed, feed and chemical suppliers
- Food processing and quality assurance
- Lending, insurance and accounting
- Research, extension and government roles
How do lifestyles compare?
On-farm work often means living near the job, with work and home close together. Off-farm work often means a commute and more defined hours, though busy seasons exist. Each has tradeoffs for family time, income stability and flexibility.
Ask workers in each setting how they spend a typical week. Their answers will be more honest than a job ad.
Neither setting is easier. Each asks for reliability, long hours at certain times and the ability to solve problems under pressure.
- On-farm: home and work close together, variable hours
- Off-farm: commute, more fixed hours, seasonal rushes
- Both: busy planting and harvest periods
Why do many people combine the two?
Many farm families and young farmers hold an off-farm job alongside farm work. The second job may provide steady income, benefits or skills. Others start off-farm to learn a trade or earn money, and move to farm work later.
Combining paths can reduce risk and build experience, though it also adds workload. Plan carefully and talk with someone who has done it. Be honest about time, energy and family needs, because two jobs can strain even the most dedicated person.
How do you try each setting?
Seasonal farm work, a role at an ag business or a volunteer shift at a research farm can let you compare. Ask your ag teacher about school-based work experiences, and visit your county extension office to learn what is available locally.
Keep a short log of what you liked and disliked about each setting, including physical demands, social time and the kind of problems you solved.
Ask a counselor about job shadowing days, since many schools can arrange them with local businesses.
- Ask about seasonal jobs at a farm and at a dealer or supplier
- Visit a research farm or processing plant
- Keep a log of what energizes you and what drains you
What about training and safety?
Training varies. Some on-farm jobs teach skills on the job, while off-farm jobs may ask for certificates or degrees. Licensing and certification rules differ by state, so check with the official agency before planning around one.
Safety matters in both settings. Machinery, livestock and chemicals create hazards on farms, and shops and plants have their own risks. Ask what training is provided, and use OSHA and NIOSH as references. Never accept an unsafe task because you are new. A good employer wants you to ask for training first.
How do you decide?
Think about where you want to live, how you want to spend your day and how much risk you can accept. Then try one small step in each direction before you decide. It is normal to change course. There is also no rush. Many people try several roles before settling.
Talk with a parent, teacher or counselor about your plans and ask what experiences they would suggest for the next year.
- Where do I want to live?
- How much risk can I accept?
- What work do I enjoy most?
- What training am I willing to do?
Your next steps
- On-farm and off-farm careers both belong to agriculture and offer very different daily lives.
- Many people combine or move between the two.
- Try both settings through seasonal work, volunteering or shadowing.
- Check training rules and safety practices with official sources.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Ag Jobs & Careers Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.