I arrive at the barn and administer any medications that need to be given. I then move to different daily tasks such as, medical data entries, ultrasounds, training for shows, trimming teeth. giving hair cuts, assisting with embryo transfers and vitrification, collecting fecal samples, administering emergency medications and placing IV catheters, rotating animals to groups based on nutritional needs, and many other daily tasks. Not a single day is a repeat of the day before! No monotony here!!!
CAREER
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$29,630
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
-6.5% (decline)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals Do
Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, milking, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep and collect eggs in hatcheries.
Other Job Titles Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals May Have
Cowboy, Herdsman, Livestock Handler, Ranch Hand
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Feed and water livestock and monitor food and water supplies.
- Herd livestock to pastures for grazing or to scales, trucks, or other enclosures.
- Examine animals to detect illness, injury, or disease, and to check physical characteristics, such as rate of weight gain.
- Provide medical treatment, such as administering medications and vaccinations, or arrange for veterinarians to provide more extensive treatment.
- Mark livestock to identify ownership and grade, using brands, tags, paint, or tattoos.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Some college, no degree (39%)
Less than high school diploma
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Certification / License
Veterinary Sciences/Veterinar...
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Most of my skills learned at this job have been technical and specific to the animals I care for. I previously milked cows and feed calves for 4 years. I grew up showing and breeding horses. I have always owned a dog. My passion for animals has led me in my current path. I am definitely more apt to pick up a better understanding of a skill If I am actually able to do it. I am a hands on learner for sure. My dad was a huge motivator in my life and he taught me patience and perseverance for sure!
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Everyone
Volunteer at local barns. Dairy, horse, sheep, goats, and alpacas. Get your foot in the door and awaken your passion.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
