Agricultural pilots, also called ag pilots, crop dusters, and aerial applicators, perform flying jobs related to the farming industry. They are skilled professionals who operate aircraft for such purposes as transporting cargo to market, aerial applications (also known as crop dusting), hauling feed, or planting seed. In addition to flying aircraft, agricultural pilots perform a variety of safety-related tasks involving both the aircraft and the cargo. They may be self-employed or work for large pest control companies or government agencies. There are approximately 37,600 commercial pilots (a category that includes agricultural pilots) employed in the United States.