Overview

A row crop producer or farmer plants and harvests traditional row crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, potatoes, canola, sunflowers, flax, sugar beets, field pea, etc. independently or for a large farm or company.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Purchase seed from area dealer or company prior to beginning planting season in the spring
• Perform tillage tasks in both spring and fall seasons
• Operate farm equipment such as tractors, sprayers, loaders, discs, cultivators, planters, grain carts, and harvesters
• Scout and inspect crops for need of pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides; spray as needed
• Manage fertility levels and treat with appropriate product
• Harvest crops once ready in fall
• Perform routine and minor maintenance on equipment; prepare equipment for busy seasons
• Manage grain and harvest inventory
• Sell harvested product
• Haul grain to elevators and/or processing plants via grain cart or semi-truck
• If in a business or leadership role, manage bills and paperwork and maintain accurate records

What education and training is required?

A high school diploma is required to be a row crop farmer but an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant or supplementary field such as agribusiness, plant science, or agriculture would be helpful. Certifications such as a CDL or pesticide applicator licenses are also often desired.

To pursue a career as a Row Crop Producer:

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education courses, agricultural mechanics, plant science, biology, business courses, and mathematics.

Typical Employers:

Row crop producers may work independently on their own farm or they may work for large farms and agricultural companies that produce crops and crop-related products.

Future Job Market/Outlook

The future outlook for a row crop producer will be great over the next five years. 

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• American Farm Bureau Federation
• National Farmers Organization
• National Corn Growers Association
• American Soybean Association
• National Association of Wheat Growers
• National Cotton Council of America
• U.S. Canola Association
• National Sunflower Association
• State and local row crop organizations