It's tough for everyone these days, but dairy farmers are especially feeling the strain; the profession appeared second on CareerCast's 2012 Worst Jobs List. The jobs were ranked based on work environment, income, outlook, stress and physical demands, so it's easy to see how any farmer could end up on this list, especially when the cost of one's product constantly fluctuates.

"First, it’s a low-paying job. Second, it’s very dangerous working with large animals such as cows. ‘Moving the animals, [farmers] could get their feet crushed,’ Lee explained. ‘And there are more fatalities in dairy farming than ever before.’ Plus, the working conditions are tough — not only the obvious manure issue (though talk to a dairy farmer and he’ll tell you he doesn’t even smell it anymore) but also the fact that you have to get out there whether it’s 10 degrees or 100 degrees. And the job outlook is tough: Dairy farming is increasingly becoming a corporate business, which is squeezing the little guys..."

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Photo by Will Merydith