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Farm Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Partner with veterinarians, nutritionists, farm managers, researchers, data scientists, and engineers. * Translate scientific findings and analytical results into practical recommendations for dairy ...

Data Engineer

Watertown, WI

$109K - $131K/yr

We set the standard for farm management solutions and fix our eyes on raising the bar to meet the next generation of expectations. Our software and information solutions help collect and connect a ...

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Farm Manager information

See Madison, WI salary details

$31.2K

$59.7K

$122.4K

How much do farm manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for farm manager in Madison, WI is $59,739.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a farm manager do?

A Farm Manager oversees the daily operations of a farm, ensuring that crops or livestock are produced efficiently and profitably. Their responsibilities include planning planting and harvesting schedules, managing staff, maintaining equipment, and monitoring budgets. They also ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, as well as implementing new technologies or methods to improve productivity. Successful Farm Managers must have strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a farm manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Farm Manager, you need expertise in agricultural science, crop or livestock management, and business operations, often supported by a degree in agriculture or related experience. Familiarity with farm management software, machinery operation, and compliance with safety and environmental regulations is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help in managing teams and adapting to changing conditions. These skills ensure efficient farm operations, maximize productivity, and support sustainable agricultural practices.

How does a farm manager typically balance hands-on fieldwork with administrative responsibilities?

Farm Managers often juggle both practical and managerial duties. In a typical week, you may spend mornings supervising planting or harvesting activities alongside workers, while afternoons are dedicated to planning crop rotations, managing budgets, and coordinating with suppliers. Effective time management and delegation are crucial, as the role requires you to stay informed about both the operational and business sides of the farm. Balancing these responsibilities ensures smooth operations and supports long-term farm profitability.

What is the difference between Farm Manager vs Agricultural Technician?

AspectFarm ManagerAgricultural Technician
CredentialsExperience in farming, possibly a degree in agriculture or related fieldDegree or certification in agriculture, agronomy, or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees farm operations, manages staff, and plans crop/livestock activitiesConducts field inspections, experiments, and assists with crop or soil analysis
Employer & Industry UsageFarms, agricultural companies, cooperativesResearch institutions, government agencies, agricultural service providers

While both roles involve agriculture, a Farm Manager oversees overall farm operations and staff, focusing on management and planning. An Agricultural Technician supports fieldwork, conducts research, and assists with technical tasks. The roles complement each other but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How do I become a farm manager?

To become a farm manager, individuals typically gain experience through working on farms or in agricultural roles, often starting as farm workers or assistants. Earning relevant education such as a degree in agriculture, farm management, or a related field can be beneficial, along with developing skills in crop and livestock management, equipment operation, and business planning. Certifications in areas like pesticide application or safety may also enhance qualifications.

How much do farm managers make in the US?

Farm managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $45,000 to over $110,000 depending on experience, farm size, and location. Those managing large operations or with specialized skills can earn higher wages, and certifications in agricultural management can enhance earning potential.

Is farm management a stressful job?

Farm management can be stressful due to factors such as weather variability, financial pressures, and the physical demands of overseeing daily operations. Managers often work long hours, especially during planting and harvest seasons, and must handle equipment, labor, and crop or livestock health. Effective planning, problem-solving skills, and resilience are important for managing stress in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Farm jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Farm jobs in Madison, WI are:

What job categories do people searching Farm Manager jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Farm Manager jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Farm Manager jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Farm Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Farm Manager job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,739 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Farm Management Outreach Specialist

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote


University of Wisconsin-Madison
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Outreach Specialist
Job Summary:
The UW-Madison Division of Extension is hiring a new Farm Management Outreach Specialist position, designed to incorporate research findings into outreach to agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals across the state, to address the most pressing farm management issues facing Wisconsin farmers.
This position is a part of the Agriculture Institute's Farm Management Program and will work with Extension colleagues to increase the reach and impact of farm management educational outreach programs.
Multiple economic and social factors impact Wisconsin agriculture and the financial viability of farm businesses. This position will support the development, delivery, and evaluation of programs for farmers and agribusiness professionals to help inform decisions for profitable, healthy farm businesses.
  • Collaborate with Extension colleagues and stakeholders to support the development and delivery of robust, high-quality outreach education programs to find solutions to the most critical farm management challenges facing Wisconsin producers.
  • Develop and maintain specific expertise in farm management for farm businesses.
  • Build trust-based relationships with individual and organizational stakeholders.
  • Work with the Program Manager to facilitate programmatic efforts, maintain strategic direction, and build partnerships to support the work.

The ideal candidate will have experience with developing and evaluating educational programs and a track record of building positive relationships.
Statewide Location
Division of Extension headquarters are located within Madison, WI but the position location is flexible and will be determined based on programmatic needs, successful candidate's preferences, and availability of suitable space.
Partial Remote
This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. Remote work requires an approved remote work agreement (RWA). A RWA requires successful candidates to possess their own high-speed internet and phone to perform the work on a university provided computer. Per University policy, transportation between home and assigned work location is not payable/reimbursable and will be at the expense of the employee.
This position has the possibility of working up to 2 days remote per Extension's Remote Work Policy.
Travel Expectations
It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Read more about UW-Madison Driver Authorization.
Applicants are required to: Have a valid drivers license and a reliable source of independent transportation for periodic in-state work travel, and/or comply with requirements for UW-Madison vehicle use authorization.
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials
  • Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program
  • Communicate plans, activities, and achievements to Program Manager, partners, and relevant stakeholders
  • Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members
  • Leads the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day-to-day activities for program staff and student and community volunteers
  • Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program
  • May assist with the monitoring of outreach program budget spending
  • Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement

Department:
Division of Extension, Agriculture Institute, Farm Management Program is hiring for a Farm Management Outreach Specialist.
About Extension
Extension embodies the Wisconsin Idea by developing and connecting the research and educational resources of UW-Madison with residents and communities to address local, statewide, and national issues. We teach, learn, lead and serve, transforming lives and communities.
About the Institute
The UW-Madison Division of Extension Agriculture Institute addresses emerging issues related to Wisconsin's agriculture and horticulture systems with research-based outreach to advance economically sustainable, socially responsible, and environmentally sound practices.
Additional Department Details
Farm Management Program is part of the Division of Extension's Agriculture Institute and works with the agriculture community to develop research-based information, resources, and tools that help inform decisions for profitable, healthy farm businesses.
Compensation:
The minimum annual (12 months) starting salary for the position is $70,000 but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. Please review the summary of benefits for more information.
Required Qualifications:
  • Three or more years of relevant professional experience;
  • Demonstrated skills in interpreting, utilizing, and applying evidence-based information and research findings
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal, through a variety of technologies
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Education or experience with agricultural economics, strategic business management, business development, including farm financial management and analysis, business succession, and transition.
  • Strong interpersonal relationships and problem-solving skills in a team setting
  • Demonstrated experience with building diverse, collaborative partnerships
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific materials in written and verbal forms for a variety of lay and other audiences
Education:
Required Education
Bachelor's degree in a field related to farm management, agricultural business, agricultural economics, agronomy, crop or soil sciences, dairy or livestock production, agricultural education, rural development or other related field
Preferred Education
Master's degree in a field related to farm management, agricultural business, agricultural economics, agronomy, crop or soil sciences, dairy or livestock production, agricultural education, rural development or other related field
How to Apply:
We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. To begin the application process, click the "apply now" button. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
  • Resume
  • Letter of Qualifications (cover letter)

Please note when applying, there will be only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents in the attachment field. Please submit a cover letter referring to your work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background as it relates to this position. Your cover letter should communicate your interest in the position and how your skillset aligns with the role. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews. Failure to upload all required materials may result in your application not being considered.
For additional guidance and resources on how to tailor your application materials to the job posting, please click https://extension.wisc.edu/careers/.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Application Deadline is August 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (CDT).
Contact Information:
Sara Dawson
sara.dawson@wisc.edu
608-890-2629
Trisha Wagner
trisha.wagner@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

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The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005


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