Tips for Putting Agriculture to Work for Your Future

By Jennifer Elwell

If you have reached your teenage years, you have likely started thinking about what you will do with your life. At the very least, your parents, mentors, and school counselors ask you to choose a career path so you waste as little time as possible as graduation nears.

The agriculture community is actively seeking to attract a new generation of workers. Youth programs like 4-H, FFA, Junior Conservation Boards, Junior Cattlemen’s, and Kentucky Farm Bureau’s IFAL are instrumental in equipping young people with the necessary skills and knowledge before they embark on a post-secondary education. These programs aim to nurture youth interest in agriculture and keep them engaged in the field.

It was interesting, however, to learn that when the Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom (TeachKyAg) surveyed more than 100 Kentucky FFA students last summer, only 55 percent intended to pursue a career in agriculture. As for reasons why they would not, they cited interest in other areas or family advice against agriculture as a career choice. The latter was often tied to production agriculture, which we know can be risky and stressful but essential.

It also became clear that young students needed exposure to a broader scope of agriculture jobs and insider tips for navigating the journey to a career.  We have provided several questions students may want to answer to help them narrow their sights. Many of these resources can be found on a new website provided by TeachKyAg with support from the Kentucky Agricultural Council, www.kyagworks.org.

The Venn Diagram of Purpose can help you figure out your career impact. Image courtesy of humanbusiness.com.

What Am I Interested In?

Make a list of activities, jobs, and coursework you enjoy. Do you prefer to be doing something physical or behind a computer? Do you enjoy collaborating with others, or do you like working independently? What are your favorite subjects in school or types of projects? Do you like plants, animals, or machines?

Where Do I Want to Live?

I believe this question can be easily overlooked in the planning stages. If you do not have a strong desire to stay close to home, there could be limitless options for a career. If you want to stay close to home and family, it may be good to learn what companies are doing business in your area or which jobs are in good supply. Encourage your school to utilize the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Bus to Business program to take students to prospective employers. Then, you may then ask, “Who do I want to work for?” Learn what the company or organization is looking for in an employee, what skills are needed, or if they offer on-the-job training. Ask current employees what they think about the company and how management’s values align with yours.

I recently met Evan William's artisanal distiller, Jodie Filiatreau. He said he started his career with the company in 1981, moving barrels in and out of the rickhouses. As opportunities opened, he acquired new skills and moved up the ladder. Dedicating more than forty years to a company speaks volumes.

How Much Time and Money Am I Willing to Commit to Education?

The investment may be worth the estimated income if your intended profession requires many years of education and significant finances. If time and money are limited, consider all the options. Kentucky is home to many colleges, universities, and trade schools that offer agriculture-related programs. Some agricultural companies also provide paid apprenticeships. Learn the education or experience requirements for each job or career you may be interested in, and remember that some jobs may swap experience for education.

Another critical factor is that more than $200 million in scholarships are provided annually to Kentucky agriculture students through organizational and school awards. These are competitive; if you need scholarships, learn what factors are considered to earn them.   

What Jobs Are In High Demand?    

As the Kentucky Agricultural Council developed its Strategic Roadmap for Kentucky Agriculture, it learned that meat processors (butchers), farm accountants, and equipment mechanics/operators are in short supply. Several organizations have also worked to address the large animal veterinarian shortage throughout the state, such as practice loans and educational loan repayment.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these careers are among the top 20 fastest-growing occupations:

·       Solar-panel installers

·       Data scientists

·       Information security analysts

·       Computer and information research scientists

·       Operations research analysts

·       Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

·       Veterinary technologists and technicians

·       Logisticians

·       Veterinarians

·       Epidemiologists

Software developers, cooks, operations managers, stockers, financial managers, construction laborers, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, accountants, and electricians are among the jobs in high demand nationwide.

While not all these positions require an agriculture degree, agriculture knowledge and experience can make someone a better fit for certain companies.

To learn more about career opportunities in Kentucky agriculture, visit www.kyagworks.org. You will find profiles on Kentucky agriculture professionals, school options, scholarships, a career quiz, and more.