Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Job Outlook
Employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2014 to 2024. The continuing ability of the agricultural sector to produce more with fewer workers will cause some farmers to go out of business.
As land, machinery, seed, and chemicals become more expensive, only well-capitalized farmers and corporations will be able to buy many of the farms that become available. These larger, more productive farms are better able to withstand the adverse effects of climate and price fluctuations on farm output and income.
Still, several initiatives, such as the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and the various farm loan programs, are designed to help farmers and ranchers acquire land and operating capital. These programs may help to offset the market pressures that farmers and ranchers face.
In contrast, agricultural managers should have more opportunities. Owners of large tracts of land, who often do not live on the property they own, increasingly will seek the expertise of agricultural managers to run their farms and ranches as businesses.
Job Prospects
Despite the expected continued consolidation of farmland and the projected decline in overall employment of this occupation, job prospects will be good for an increasing number of small-scale farmers who have developed successful market niches that involve personalized, direct contact with their customers. Many are finding opportunities in organic food production. Others use farmers' markets that cater directly to urban and suburban consumers, allowing the farmers to capture a greater share of consumers' food dollars.
Some small-scale farmers may improve their job prospects by participating in collectively owned marketing cooperatives that process and sell their products. Other farmers participate in community-supported agriculture (CSA) cooperatives that allow consumers to buy a share of the farmer's harvest directly.
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Total, all occupations
7%
Other management occupations
4%
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
-2%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program