Great Ag Careers Are Going Wanting [Opinion]
May 28, 2015 The news last month that our nation’s colleges and universities aren’t producing anywhere near enough graduates with degrees in ag-related fields could be looked at in one of two ways.
On the downside, there are 22,500 jobs going unfilled annually for an industry that’s extremely critical to the future of mankind, noted Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
“These jobs will only become more important as we continue to develop solutions to feed more than 9 billion people by 2050,” he said.
But, if you’re a glass-half-full sort, as most people in ag are, think of the upside. There are an estimated 57,900 high-skilled job openings in the industry each year, but just 35,400 graduates to fill them. That means there are 22,500 terrific opportunities available every year for bright young people.
“Those receiving degrees in agriculture fields can expect to have ample career opportunities,” said Vilsack, “Not only will those who study agriculture be likely to get well-skilled jobs upon graduation, they will also have the satisfaction of working in a field that addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
I’ve seen the career opportunities going wanting first-hand. In the course of my job, I end up at a lot of functions attended not only by growers, but pest control advisers and crop consultants. They bemoan the fact that so many of their colleagues are retiring, but so few are being replaced.
It’s not like these jobs are unattractive. After just a couple years of experience, the pay is pretty darned good. Also, unlike most well-paying jobs, you’re not chained to a desk all day.
There are other advantages to a career in ag. One that’s intrinsic to the business that I think satisfies a basic need for most people is the sense of satisfaction you get from helping to produce a crop. With harvest comes a feeling of achievement that’s tough to top.
I realize it’s not for everybody. I had an acquaintance years ago who was the finance director for a small city. When I commented that they never seemed to produce anything, he said: “You have to take satisfaction from the process.” Ouch, I was left with the image of a hamster on his little wheel.
It’s not like all college graduates are getting their jobs of choice. My daughter graduated from a university just over one year ago, and I was struck by how many people were surprised that she had already lined up a job in her chosen field of study, marketing.
I had no idea how lucky she was; my definition of luck being preparation meeting opportunity. A lot more bright young people, 22,500 a year to be exact, can be so fortunate if they look to getting a job in agriculture.
Where to start? How about offering to talk to high school students? It doesn’t have to be a career day. I’ll bet many teachers would welcome an expert on fruit or nut production. It’s not hyperbole to say an hour of your time could change a teen’s life.
For other ideas, check out the young grower groups featured by my colleague Christina Herrick.
Steering more bright young people into agriculture is a win/win because the graduate gets a great career, and the industry is strengthened. We can use all the great minds we can get if we’re going to feed every one of those 9 billion people in 2050.
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