Farmers

Employment for farmers and ranchers is expected to decline by 2 percent from 2023 through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Opportunities will be better for farm managers as owners of large farm properties seek managers to oversee land and agricultural workers.

Large corporate farms are fast replacing the small farmer, who is being forced out of the industry by the spiraling costs of feed, grain, chemicals, land, and equipment. In recent years, many small-scale farmers have been forced to give up farming; some lost farms that had been in their families for generations. Some small-scale farmers, however, have found opportunities in organic food production, farmers' markets, and similar market niches that require more direct personal contact with their customers.

Some trends that farmers may follow in their efforts to increase income include more diversified crop production; for example, farmers may choose to plant high-oil or high-protein corn, which bring more money in the marketplace. But these new grains also require different methods of storage and marketing. Other farmers are focusing on growing specialty or organic crops or taking advantage of increasing demand for ethanol by planting more corn. In 2023, U.S. farmers planted 94.1 million acres of corn—according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, up significantly from the 75.7 million acres planted in 2001. Other crops that are used to make ethanol include wheat, potatoes, and sugar cane. As a result of this trend, fewer acres of other crops—such as soybeans and cotton—are being planted.

Despite the great difficulty in becoming a farmer today, there are many agriculture-related careers that involve people with farm production, marketing, management, and agribusiness. Those with an interest in farming may have to pursue these alternative career paths.