Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower
SOC 11-9013.00 · ESCO 1311 · OSCA 151132
Role snapshot
Overview
Oversees the cultivation of broadacre grain, oilseed, pulse crops, and pasture, managing all aspects of farm operations from soil preparation and planting schedules to pest control, fertiliser programs, and harvesting. Utilises advanced agricultural technology and equipment to optimise crop yield, ensure environmental sustainability, and manage farm resources effectively across large tracts of land.
Contributes to global food security by producing essential crops, supports rural economies, and implements sustainable land management practices to maintain soil health and biodiversity.
On the job
- Plan and implement crop rotation, planting, and harvesting schedules based on seasonal conditions and market demands.
- Monitor soil health, analyse nutrient levels, and apply appropriate fertilisers and soil amendments.
- Operate and maintain a range of agricultural machinery, including tractors, planters, sprayers, and harvesters.
- Manage pest, weed, and disease control programs using integrated pest management (IPM) techniques.
- Oversee farm staff, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with agricultural regulations and safety standards.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Practical experience combined with vocational training or a bachelor's degree in agriculture, agronomy, or farm management.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
moderate
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
Tasks like monitoring soil health, nutrient analysis, pest prediction, and initial scheduling can be significantly augmented by AI.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
While AI can optimize parts of farm management, it cannot manage staff, respond to dynamic environmental shifts, or handle the full financial and market complexities of a farm.
Adoption pressure
high
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
There is high adoption pressure due to AI's potential for yield optimization, resource efficiency, and data-driven decision-making in agriculture.
Human dependence
moderate
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Success relies heavily on human judgment for strategic planning, staff management, adapting to unforeseen weather, and managing financial risks and market relationships.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role is highly adaptable, as growers can integrate AI tools to become more data-driven strategic managers while maintaining practical oversight.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Optimising crop rotation schedules based on market demands and soil data
- Predicting pest and disease outbreaks with high accuracy
- Recommending precise fertiliser and irrigation application rates
- Analysing yield data for performance insights and anomalies
- Automating some administrative and record-keeping tasks
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Making high-stakes financial and investment decisions for the farm
- Adapting to unforeseen environmental challenges and market fluctuations
- Managing farm personnel, equipment, and on-the-ground operations
- Negotiating contracts and building relationships with suppliers and buyers
- Providing nuanced, on-the-ground assessment of crop and soil health
How the role may evolve
From field operator to data-driven strategist.
The role will increasingly shift from hands-on operational execution towards interpreting advanced analytics to make high-level strategic decisions, while still requiring practical oversight.
Strengthen your future fit
- Mastering agricultural data analytics platforms and remote sensing technologies
- Developing advanced risk management and financial planning capabilities
- Enhancing leadership and personnel management skills for farm teams
- Cultivating strong market acumen and negotiation abilities
- Integrating sustainable farming practices with technological advancements
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower
Agriculture & Food
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
enterprising · ERC
People who enjoy leading practical, hands-on operations, making strategic business decisions, and systematically managing resources tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Observant
Keenly notices subtle changes in crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns.
Diligent
Methodically plans and executes complex seasonal tasks, ensuring precision in planting, spraying, and harvesting.
Independent
Comfortable making critical decisions autonomously and spending significant time working in the field.
Resourceful
Adapts quickly to unexpected challenges like adverse weather or equipment breakdowns, finding practical solutions.
Resilient
Maintains a steady temperament and focus when facing unpredictable environmental factors or market volatility.
Best for
- Individuals who thrive on working independently, problem-solving, and managing a business outdoors.
- Those passionate about food production, sustainability, and applying scientific principles to land management.
Watch out for
- Demanding seasonal work often requires long hours, including weekends and holidays.
- High exposure to unpredictable factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower roles
What does a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower do?
A Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower oversees the cultivation of broadacre grain, oilseed, pulse crops, and pasture, managing all aspects of farm operations from soil preparation and planting schedules to pest control, fertiliser programs, and harvesting. Utilises advanced agricultural technology and equipment to optimise crop yield, ensure environmental sustainability, and manage farm resources effectively across large tracts of land. Contributes to global food security by producing essential crops, supports rural economies, and implements sustainable land management practices to maintain soil health and biodiversity.
How much does a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower earn?
A Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower earns a median of $80,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $50,000 to $130,000.
What qualifications do you need to become a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower?
To become a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower, practical experience combined with vocational training or a bachelor's degree in agriculture, agronomy, or farm management.
What personality suits a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower?
Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 80/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (Emotional Stability 72/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Observant, Diligent, Independent and Resourceful. Keenly notices subtle changes in crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns. On interests, Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower maps to an ERC Holland Code profile — people who enjoy leading practical, hands-on operations, making strategic business decisions, and systematically managing resources tend to thrive in this role.
Who does a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower role suit?
A Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. High Realistic and Enterprising affinity: combines hands-on field work with strategic business management. Strong need for Conscientiousness to meticulously plan and execute complex agricultural cycles. Significant time spent outdoors and engaging with the natural environment.
What are the downsides of being a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower?
Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Demanding seasonal work often requires long hours, including weekends and holidays. High exposure to unpredictable factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations.
What is the work environment like for a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower?
Work as a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower is mostly outdoors-based with onsite arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and medium exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 57% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower?
Core skills for a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower include Agronomy and crop science, Agricultural machinery operation, Pest and disease management, Farm financial management and Team leadership.
How do you become a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower?
Common entry routes into Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower roles include Farm Hand, Agricultural Technician and Farm Apprentice.
What career progression is there for a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower?
From a Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower role, common next steps include Senior Farm Manager and Agribusiness Owner/Operator; lateral moves include Agricultural Consultant.
What is the job outlook for Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower roles?
The outlook for Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower roles at 52 out of 100, which is moderate. While AI offers powerful tools for agronomic data analysis and predictive scheduling, the ultimate responsibility for strategic farm management, risk assessment, and staff leadership remains with the human grower. AI is most likely to take on optimising crop rotation schedules based on market demands and soil data, predicting pest and disease outbreaks with high accuracy and recommending precise fertiliser and irrigation application rates. Making high-stakes financial and investment decisions for the farm, adapting to unforeseen environmental challenges and market fluctuations and managing farm personnel, equipment, and on-the-ground operations stay with people. From field operator to data-driven strategist. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.