Employment in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations is projected to show little or no change over the next ten years. Projected increases in some agricultural worker occupations and for fishing and hunting workers will be offset by declines in logging occupations.
Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations is one of the lowest paid occupational groups, with a median annual wage of $29,670 compared to the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950.
Agricultural workers maintain crops and tend to livestock. They perform physical labor and operate machinery under the supervision of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers.
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers operate establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.
Fishing and hunting workers catch and trap various types of animal life. The fish and wild animals they catch are for human food, animal feed, bait, and other uses.
Forest and conservation workers measure and improve the quality of forests. Under the supervision of foresters and forest and conservation technicians, they develop, maintain, and protect forests.
Logging workers harvest thousands of acres of forests each year. The timber they harvest provides the raw material for many consumer goods and industrial products.
Agricultural Inspectors inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment and facilities, and fish and logging operations in order to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.
Farm labor contractors recruit and hire seasonal or temporary agricultural laborers. May transport, house, and provide meals for workers.
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.
Forest and Conservation Technicians provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources.
Graders and Sorters (Agricultural Products) grade, sort, or classify unprocessed food and other agricultural products by size, weight, color, or condition.