How employable are farmers?

CareerExplorer rates farmers with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future.

Are farmers in demand?

Overall employment of farmers is projected to decline. Increased automation and technology are allowing the agricultural sector to produce more with fewer workers. There are, however, some segments of this occupation expected to create jobs. Farmers who grow corn used to produce ethanol will be in demand as ethanol plays a larger role in the production of energy as fuel. Farmers who grow trees, shrubs, and turf will also have better job prospects, as spending on landscaping increases. Local, small-scale, cooperative, and organic farming enterprises are predicted to create niche market opportunities. In addition, aquaculture may generate some jobs as more fish farms raise selected species to respond to depleted stocks and consumer demand. As a portion of the more than 80 percent of farmers who are self-employed retire and offer their farms for lease or purchase, some limited opportunities will be created.