Job prospects Ranch Hand in the Lethbridge–Medicine Hat Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), the labour market was balanced for General farm workers in the Lethbridge–Medicine Hat Region. The number of job openings was about the same as the number of workers available in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Methodology

The employment outlook will be moderate for Livestock labourers (NOC 85100) in the Lethbridge - Medicine Hat region for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

• Occupations in agriculture continue to be in demand due to difficulties with recruitment and retention in the sector.
• Employment in agriculture has been on the decline since 2013, decreasing by 32% from 2013 to 2023.
• The risk of droughts may cause financial hardship for some farm operations and impact employment opportunities. 
• Compared to other regions in the province, workers in this occupation are more likely to find employment opportunities within this region. This is especially true given the region's agriculture sector, which plays a key role in supporting a variety of local food production operations.

Here are some key facts about Livestock labourers in the Lethbridge - Medicine Hat region:

• Approximately 1,280 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Livestock labourers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Agriculture (NAICS ultur): 78%
  • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 8%
  • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 8%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology