How to become an agricultural service contractor or farm supervisor
Official title: Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
Also called: Farm boss, Farm supervisor, Farm foreman/woman, Seeding contractor, Hog farm supervisor, Mink farm supervisor, Mink ranch supervisor, Hog farm foreman/woman, Hop farm foreman/woman, Farm workers supervisor, Dairy farm foreman/woman, Fruit farm foreman/woman
Agricultural service contractors provide agricultural services such as livestock and poultry breeding, soil preparation, crop planting, crop spraying, cultivating or harvesting. Farm supervisors supervise the work of specialized livestock workers, farm machinery operators, livestock labourers, aquaculture labourers and harvesting labourers. They operate their own business or may be employed by farms and agricultural enterprises.
Main tasks
- Agricultural service contractors
- Provide agricultural livestock services such as artificial insemination, spraying or shearing of livestock or disinfecting pens, barns or poultry houses
- Provide agricultural crop services such as plowing, irrigating, cultivating, spraying or harvesting
- Assist in the development and implementation of farm safety and bio-security procedures
- Hire and train workers
- Negotiate the terms of services to be provided
- Maintain financial and operational records
- May participate in the provision of services or in the operation of machinery and equipment
How to become one
Agricultural service contractors usually require a university degree, college diploma or industry courses in agricultural studies and several years of experience related to the service offered. Contractors providing certain services, such as artificial insemination and pesticide application, may require training certificates and provincial licensing. Farm supervisors may require a college certificate or other specialized training in agriculture or livestock husbandry. A course or certificate in first aid may be required.
Ways in
- Licence or registration: Contractors providing certain services, such as artificial insemination and pesticide application, may require training certificates and provincial licensing.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $46,878 a year The middle half earn $39,000 to $58,325.
- About 8,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 9,500 are projected by 2033. (+9.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an agricultural service contractor or farm supervisor?
Agricultural service contractors usually require a university degree, college diploma or industry courses in agricultural studies and several years of experience related to the service offered. Contractors providing certain services, such as artificial insemination and pesticide application, may require training certificates and provincial licensing. Farm supervisors may require a college certificate or other specialized training in agriculture or livestock husbandry. A course or certificate in first aid may be required.
How much does an agricultural service contractor or farm supervisor earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $46,878 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $39,000 to $58,325.
Is an agricultural service contractor or farm supervisor a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 8,700 to about 9,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an agricultural service contractor or farm supervisor?
Usually not. Only 16% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03