The Ag Industry Is Growing
While the number of farmers decreases, job opportunities in ag are on the rise. A report published by Purdue University (with funding from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture) shows that not only are the annual number of graduates with agricultural degrees inadequate to fill the expected number of open positions from 2015 to 2020, but job growth in the industry will also increase more than 5%.
Each year through 2020 it is estimated there will be approximately 57,900 open positions in the industry, with only about 35,400 agricultural graduates to fill them. To top it off, many of the graduates with agricultural degrees will find opportunities in other industries. While the authors do not tell us what percentage that may be, they do expect an even wider gap between the number of open positions and the number of agricultural graduates who will fill them.
Where Will the Opportunities Be?
Per the report, the largest need will be in Business and Management, followed by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) areas. Then Sustainable Food and Biomaterials Production, and Education, Communication, and Government Services bring up the rear. The report also goes on to say some areas of the industry will struggle to find enough candidates, while other areas will find an oversupply.
While the report doesn’t specify which areas will see an oversupply, the authors do expect a strong market for the following types of positions:
- Plant scientists
- Food scientists
- Water resources scientists
- Water resources engineers
- Sustainable biomaterials specialists
- Precision agriculture specialists
- E-commerce managers
- Marketing agents
- Ecosystem managers
- Ag educators
- Crop and pest specialists
- Large-animal veterinarians
What Does This Mean for Me?
With a shortage of agricultural graduates, and an increasing supply of job opportunities, there couldn’t be a better time to start a career in agriculture! Ag employers will need to look outside of traditional agricultural degree programs for qualified candidates. However, this demand gives those candidates with expertise in ag the upper-hand. In other words, those graduates with a background in production agriculture (a.k.a. farm kids) will have an advantage, as there are few instances where recent graduates enter the workforce with so much experience and in-depth knowledge of the industry they are entering.
While the report does not cover specific opportunities in the industry for graduates who hold non-agricultural degrees, we can assume the need is also high. Just look at the topics and headlines from ag media sources, and you will see that ag tech is a fast-growing sector. There is a definite need for web and software developers, database administrators, computer and robotics engineers, and more. And let’s not forget the positions in administration, accounting, HR, customer service, etc.
Last, but not least, the report also states employers continue to seek a diverse workforce. A strong percentage of women are already involved in agriculture, especially in STEM areas, with women making up more than half of the food, ag, renewable natural resources, and environment graduates. This trend is likely to continue through the foreseeable future.
What Should I Do Now?
We have some great resources available at AgPloyment.com for you to take advantage of! Check out our Careers section to find the career path which interests you the most. Next, head over to our Education section to find out more about the schools which offer degree programs focused on the career path you want to follow. Once you have completed your education you can search our Job Board for open positions and apply for jobs. When you finally land your dream job we still have more great resources for you over in the AgPloyee section of our site.
We can help you throughout your entire career in the industry – it’s what we’re here for!