Agricultural Career Possibilities
Bill Van Loo, MS
Sr. Extension Educator Cornell University Cooperative Extension St Lawrence County
What Is Agriculture?
Agriculture is the process of producing food, fiber and other desired products by the cultivation of certain plants and the raising of domesticated animals (livestock).
The practice of agriculture is known as farming, while scientists, inventors and others devoted to improving farming methods and implements are also said to be engaged in agriculture.
What is Agribusiness?
Agribusiness is the activity of providing goods, services, equipment and research; involving financial, commercial and industrial aspects of agriculture. Also, the activity of further processing agricultural products into food and medicines.
Agriculture covers many areas and can get very complicated. An example would be the Dairy Value Chain.
A career in agriculture or one supporting agriculture can cover many facets and interest areas! As many as 250 possibilities can be considered!
There are some basic and necessary requirements for a successful career in agriculture.
Successful graduation from high school, from BOCES or a vocational agricultural program, is a good start.
Integrity, honesty and responsibility when handling food and money.
Be able to do basic calculations while on the go.
Need to enjoy the outdoors and work with living things such as plants and animals.
Basic computer skills using word processing and spreadsheets are a necessity when working in modern agriculture.
Budgeting and budget management ability is a top priority.
A knowledge and awareness of regulations affecting the area of work is a huge asset.
A keen interest and a willingness to understand the industry is a valuable asset.
John Wicke General Manager Penski Inc. Personnel Services
Penski places over 1500 employees annually from locations in Potsdam, Massena, Malone, Ogdensburg and Watertown. Here are John’s views on being a good employee in the agricultural field
1.Technical skills are required and are a must 2. Computer skills are required 3. Keen interest is required and needs to be exhibited 4. Willingness to learn is vitally important 5. Knowledge enhancement can be achieved at little or no cost by utilizing the internet’s resources 6. Pay attention and utilize available resources
Agricultural Careers Can Be Broken down into Six Main Areas.
1. Production/ Skilled Trades
Some examples would be dairy farmer, farm worker, floral designer, horticulturalist, crop farm worker, fish farmer, wild life manager, fruit and vegetable grower, forester, ranch manager, livestock industry professional, landscape producer etc.
What career opportunities do you envision here?
Lisbon, NY Dairy Farm
2. Food Processing and Food Service
Some examples would be cheese maker, wine maker , production worker, waiter, waitress, dietitian, food inspector, meat cutter, chef, quality controller, laboratory tester, chemist, food preparer etc.
Tri-Town Packing Possible careers?
Food Processor, Winthrop, NY
3. Communication and Marketing, Distribution and Sales.
Some examples would be sales representative, cashier, computer operator, advertising specialist, truck driver, grain merchandiser, livestock buyer, food sales manager, market analyst, product demonstrator etc.
Any career possibilities here?
4. Science and Agricultural Engineering
Some examples would be research assistant, agricultural engineer, irrigation specialist, scientist , biochemist, toxicologist, agronomist, economist, environmental scientist, zoologist, machinery design engineer etc.
Some science and agricultural engineering scenes
Any Ideas for Employment?
Canton, NY
The refurbished feed mill
5. Professionals-Education, Administration, Political
Some examples would be banker, teacher, accountant, consultant, lawyer, credit analyst, insurance agent, policy writer, appraiser, veterinarian, social services worker, rural community developer etc.
6. Technical & Service Specialist
Some examples would be crop scout, food inspector, electrician, veterinary technician, instrumentation technician, dairy quality assurance specialist, community developer, regional planner, robotic technician, heating & air conditioning specialist, equipment mechanic etc.
Many possibilities exist in this industry.
North Lawrence, NY
Exciting new developments in agriculture include alternate energy sources (bio-mass & bio-diesel), wind farms, ethanol and methane production; developing alternative medicines (using animal and plant proteins, enzymes and conjugated fatty acids) to treat diseases and produce new products.
Tug Hill Wind Farm
For More Information on Ag Careers Contact
1. School Guidance Counselors 2. Cornell Cooperative Extension 3. NY Careers www.nycareerzone.org 4. For Dairy Careers contact Holstein Foundation at 802-254-4551 and receive an excellent work book. 5. Come Farm With Us website www.comefarmwithus.org
6. SUNY-Canton, -Morrisville, Cobleskill, -Alfred, Syracuse U., Cornell U. etc. who offer ag education training. 7. Local ag industries and employers many of whom will train or suggest where to get required training. 8. Job placement agencies and local workforce training sites. 9. Folks working in ag related fields.
Sixteen percent of all U.S business is Ag-related and generates over 270 billion dollars into our economy each year (USDA-ERS, 2006).
Agriculture employs over 24 million people across the U.S., making Agriculture the largest employer (National FFA, 2005). At present we need to fill 48,000 new positions in agriculture and have only 44,000 qualified applicants!
The End!