Written by Annie Yao

For many young adults, agriculture might conjure up images of their grandparents' red barns, manual labor, and working on a farm. These stereotypes have contributed to a decline in the number of young people choosing agricultural professions. According to a survey sponsored by the Monsanto Fund program America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, “only 13 percent of high school and college students express interest in pursuing a career in agriculture”. The shortage of agricultural professionals poses a significant threat to the future of agricultural development. It is essential to address the lack of agricultural knowledge and education to encourage more students to consider agricultural majors.

Diverse Career Opportunities in Agriculture

Agricultural business is undoubtedly one of the most complex industries in the world, offering a wide variety of positions such as agricultural engineers, agricultural scientists, agricultural salespersons, farm managers, and farm workers. Moreover, every country has distinct agricultural needs, and various industries, such as food and beverage, and clothing and fashion, rely on agriculture for their supply chains. Choosing agriculture as a major opens up an array of job options compared to other fields.

High Employment Rate and Stability

One of the significant advantages of the agricultural field is its high employment rate and job stability. According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics “Despite declining employment, about 85,600 openings for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire”. This stability in the job market provides young graduates with a sense of security and helps them manage their student loans efficiently.

Lucrative Salaries

Contrary to common misconceptions, agricultural careers can offer competitive salaries. For example, one of the most sought-after agricultural positions, agricultural engineering, comes with an impressive paycheck. According to Bestcollege.com, ”agricultural engineers are responsible for a diverse range of activities, including aquaculture, forestry, land farming, conservation improvement, environmental planning, and biofuel development. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that these positions are in moderate demand, and the average salary for agricultural engineers in 2018 was just over $77,000 per year”

Meaningful and Honorable Work

Working in the agricultural field is an honorable profession with immense significance. Agricultural workers play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of people, as everyone relies on the products of their labor for sustenance. The mission and vision of agricultural work are noble and essential to society.

In conclusion, choosing an agricultural major comes with numerous advantages. The diverse career opportunities, high employment rate, competitive salaries, and meaningful nature of agricultural work make it a rewarding and promising field for young students. By promoting the benefits and significance of agricultural careers, we can inspire more students to consider this vital sector and secure the future of agricultural development.

 Reference List:

Farmers, ranchers, and other Agricultural Managers : OccupationaOutlook

Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, September 8). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/farmers-ranchers-and-other-agricultural-managers.htm

Best Colleges Online. (2021, May 18). 5 top paying careers in agriculture. https://www.bestcollegesonline.org/lists/5-top-paying-careers-in-agriculture/