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!