Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals

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.

$35,980
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
-3% projected 2024โ€“2034

What They Do

Farmworkers caring for animals spend their days tending to the health and welfare of livestock and aquatic species raised for food, fiber, or other products. They feed and water animals on scheduled intervals, ensuring each species receives proper nutrition. Their responsibilities include moving herds between pastures, cleaning housing areas and pens, and monitoring animals for signs of illness or injury. When they notice health concerns, they assist veterinarians or administer basic treatments like vaccinations under supervision. During breeding seasons, farmworkers help with birthing and care for newborns. They also perform routine tasks like collecting eggs, shearing sheep, branding cattle, or weighing animals for market. Some maintain detailed records tracking animal health, breeding, and production outputs.

Programs That Prepare You

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