One thing that can be said about the 2008 financial climate: this is not a halcyon time for investment banking professionals.

The credit market stress that has rocked U.S. and European markets this year has idled many investment bankers, syndicate and securities professionals and related financial specialists. Many have adjusted their career tracks, if they haven't already shifted to a new profession / line of work.

And what's one sector that may see an influx of displaced banking talent and/or represent a new, hot sector for dealmakers? Farming.

That's right: Farming. Two factors suggest farming may need, and attract, more talent: 1) the bullish trend for food given increased demand, and 2) the preference for locally-grown food, so says economist Glen Langan, whose specializations include agricultural economics.

"International food demand has improved food profit margins to the point where farming can compete for capital with other up-and-coming sectors," Langan said. "There's always a risk that food demand could pull back slightly on a global economic slowdown, but the long-term factors are and will remain bullish."