FARMER

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 1998 there were 851,000 professional farmers in the United States, and many of these farmers worked in dairy and livestock production. Unfortunately, the agency believes that number will get smaller in the next ten years, mainly because farming is such a difficult occupation at which to succeed. Many farmers lose money every year. Those that do make a profit can expect to make between $20,000 and $45,000 per year.

There is good news, however. As long as people must eat to survive, the world will need farmers. So as old farmers retire, young farmers—like you—can step in and take their places. Also, there's an interesting movement in the works: organic farming. With organic farming, the farmer does not use chemicals and lets the animals live as free and healthy a life as possible. Many experts believe that farmers who provide organic products—including organically produced milk from cows—stand an excellent chance of succeeding. People like to buy products that do not harm the environment. That could be good for your business, and even better news for the earth!