What They Do
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
Employment Impact
32.6K
People employed
651.8K
Estimated global impact (extrapolated from US market data)
AI Impact Overview
Automation and AI are set to transform animal-related farm work moderately in the coming years. Manual, routine roles will face the most disruption, while jobs involving animal welfare, health monitoring, and supervision will remain more resilient to automation.
Detailed Analysis
AI-driven automation is increasingly available for repetitive and physical tasks such as feeding, cleaning, tracking, and basic monitoring. However, hands-on animal care, nuanced health assessments, critical decision-making, and certain regulatory and welfare roles require human involvement. Adoption rates will vary by region, farm size, and available resources.
Opportunity
"By proactively developing digital and animal care skills, farmworkers can secure stable, future-oriented roles—even as technology transforms the industry."
AI Risk Assessment
Risk level varies by experience level
Junior Level
Tasks primarily involve manual labor such as feeding, cleaning, and moving animals, which are increasingly automatable with AI-driven machinery. Role displacement risk is elevated.
Mid-level
Responsibilities include limited supervision, basic animal health monitoring, and some machinery operation. Increased use of smart sensors and robots can augment or partially replace these duties.
Senior Level
Roles involving herd management, regulatory compliance, welfare oversight, and advanced troubleshooting are least susceptible to AI automation. These positions benefit from AI tools but require human judgment and leadership.
AI-Driven Job Forecasts
2 Years
Near-term Outlook
Job Outlook
Mild reduction in manual labor roles; moderate demand for workers familiar with farm technology and health monitoring systems. Upskilling opportunities emerge, but most roles remain hands-on.
Transition Strategy
Enroll in digital literacy and farm technology basics courses. Volunteer for technical equipment training at your workplace. Begin networking with tech-savvy peers.
5 Years
Medium-term Impact
Job Outlook
Increased automation of feeding, basic health monitoring, and facility management. Moderate shift toward hybrid roles blending animal care and tech operation. Lower demand for manual labor-only positions.
Transition Strategy
Pursue certification in animal health technology and equipment maintenance. Explore apprenticeships with agricultural technology providers. Stay informed about regulatory and animal welfare developments.
7+ Years
Long-term Vision
Job Outlook
Automated and AI-driven farm systems (robots, sensors, decision support) are mainstream. Demand shifts toward technicians, supervisors, animal welfare inspectors, and tech integrators. Remaining manual roles focus on complex, emergency, or uniquely human tasks.
Transition Strategy
Develop leadership skills. Attain advanced animal science certifications or start the transition into management. Consider entrepreneurial pathways in agri-tech consulting or animal care services.
Industry Trends
Biosensor and Wearables Adoption
Increases demand for maintenance, interpretation, and herd health support capacities.
Collaborative and Community Farming Models
Creates leadership, outreach, and organizational roles resistant to automation.
Consumer Demand for Transparency
Boosts traceability, shared reporting, and communication roles.
Data Driven Farm Management
Raises need for employees able to interpret data and use digital record-keeping.
Increased Automation
Expands need for skilled machinery operators and reduces demand for manual labor.
Labor Market Tightness
Drives investment in automation, but skilled workers with tech ability are in higher demand.
Precision Livestock Farming
Enhances productivity and animal welfare but reduces rote labor requirements.
Regulatory Tightening
Creates greater demand for compliance, reporting, and oversight roles.
Remote Monitoring and Telemedicine
Reduces need for on-site intervention while increasing demand for remote diagnostics.
Sustainability and Animal Welfare Focus
Stimulates demand for skilled animal care, biosecurity, and compliance experts.
AI-Resistant Skills
Hands on Animal Care
Health and Safety Oversight
Customer and Community Engagement
Alternative Career Paths
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Ensures compliance with safety and environmental standards in product development.
Relevance: Regulatory burden is rising as automation and welfare requirements increase.
Agricultural Equipment Technician
Maintains and repairs advanced farm machinery, including robotics and smart systems.
Relevance: Smart machinery usage is increasing, necessitating skilled equipment technicians.
Sustainable Agriculture Consultant
Advises farms and agribusinesses on eco-friendly practices and compliance.
Relevance: Sustainability and compliance needs are growing, with incentives for eco-friendly operations.
Emerging AI Tools Tracker
Upskilling & Learning Resources
Full AI Impact Report
Access the full AI impact report to get detailed insights and recommendations.
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