What occupation best describes the majority of yeoman farmers?

The majority of yeoman farmers are best described as self-sufficient farmers. This characterization is rooted in the historical role that yeoman farmers played in the agricultural economy, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries in the United States. Yeoman farmers typically owned and worked their own land, often cultivating enough crops to support their families while also producing surplus for trade. They relied on a combination of their own labor and basic farming techniques to sustain their livelihoods, which emphasized self-sufficiency.

Unlike landless laborers, who lacked ownership of land and often worked for others, or wealthy plantation owners, who depended on hired labor (including enslaved people) to manage large estates, yeoman farmers operated on a smaller, more personal scale. They were not urban artisans either, as their work was primarily tied to agriculture rather than crafting goods in a city environment. Therefore, the term "self-sufficient farmers" accurately captures the essence of yeoman farming, highlighting their independence and crucial role in rural community life.