Also known as: Agricultural Worker, Animal Care Taker, Animal Feeder, Animal Herder
Environment, Nature, & AnimalsBachelor's Degree
Job Description
Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, milking, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep and collect eggs in hatcheries.
This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.
Impact of AI on this Job
AI and automation will increasingly assist farmworkers in the next 5-10 years, particularly in tasks like monitoring animal health, optimizing feeding schedules, and managing environmental conditions in controlled environments. While some routine physical tasks might be automated, human oversight and direct care for animals will remain essential. AI tools will enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making, rather than fully replacing human labor.