On farms that raise animals for meat or dairy products, there is work throughout the year. The hours of work vary a great deal. During planting and harvesting on crop farms, workers are often in the fields from sun-up until late at night. On nearly all farms, workers usually receive one day off per week. Vacations are taken during slow seasons or between crops.
Many employers provide for vacation, sick leave or medical or dental benefits.
Also, the continuing development of newer and more complex farm machinery will continue to curtail the work that farm-workers now do, as well as reduce the number of job openings in the future. Advancement Opportunities for advancement are limited. Some farmworkers may advance to crew leader or supervisory positions on farms or buy land and become farmers or ranchers. In some counties, workers find their jobs by direct application at the farm, through local offices of the California Employment Development Department, or a labor contractor. A personal recommendation by a trusted employee can be very helpful.