In 2002, median earnings for workers in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry were $376 a week, with a wide range from less than $226 a week for the lowest 10 percent to more than $822 a week for the highest 10 percent. Lower than average earnings are due in part to the low level of skill required for many of the jobs in the industry and to the seasonal nature of the work.
Farm income can vary substantially depending on a number of factors, including: The type of crop or livestock being raised, price fluctuations for various agricultural products, and weather conditions that affect yield. In some cases, government subsidies may supplement a farmer’s income. For a growing number of farmers and ranchers, particularly those working on farms for residential and lifestyle reasons, crop or livestock production is not their major occupation or source of income.