Top-Rated Agricultural Careers

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(Rasmus Landgreen, Unsplash)

1 Jan. 2019. When it comes to the agricultural sector, there can be a lot of confusion about what that actually entails in terms of jobs. Interestingly enough there are less and less young people entering into the world of agriculture, and it is seeing an aging workforce as a result, causing a severe talent shortage. However, there is and always has been a lot of exciting work happening in the agricultural landscape. For example:

• Sustainable agriculture
• Agricultural technology
• Urban agriculture
• Precision agriculture

… are just a few areas that huge impact can be witnessed.

Something that is a tremendous asset to the industry overall is the fact that you can enter it without having a degree. It is one of the few places where you can do it as a family trade and have knowledge passed down from generation to generation. The work can be pretty hard, and the hours can be long, depending of course which route you take. You could, theoretically choose any of the below career paths and be very successful, as these are noted as some of the ‘in demand’ jobs in the agricultural industries.

Farm manager. It is often in the news that farmers aren’t getting their fair pay, or that they are struggling to keep things going. However, it is worth knowing that the average farmers land has more than doubled in the last 30 years. As a result of the brilliant growth, most farmers are going to need some reliable crew and reliable equipment.

Equipment can often come at a premium. However, you can pick up some brilliantly priced items online at www.equifyauctions.com/. This career is ideal for people who love early mornings, watching the sunrise, using a mix of manual labor and experience to grow the best crops and raise the best livestock. This career path has a lot of satisfaction, and you can physically see (and sometimes eat) the fruits of your labor. It would be beneficial to have a basic knowledge of agriculture and a big love of the great outdoors.

If you have a bit of a green thumb but would love to take that to the next level, then you are likely looking at following the path of the Agronomist. An agronomist is an expert in crops. A few different things will fall under the, but this job is specifically paid and hired for their in-depth knowledge of growing crops and producing the best yield year on year. They will also be the ones who know all about the newest technology that can be applied to growing methods.

While you might not be making the big bucks in the first few years, with more time under your belt comes more pay too. You will most likely be in a seed company, a large farming corporation or a chemicals company. This nifty job combines science, technology and a big love for mother nature.

Every sector will need to hire someone in finance and accounting. These are particularly challenging but rewarding roles. You will be looking at ways to help farmers maintain their land in times of need, and that often will include their homes and sometimes the homes of others. You’ll need to be able to use some smart trend watching, with some past performance to work out what are the best routes to take for the farmer.

Loan analysis, loan officers, bookkeepers, and accountants are just a few of the roles that combine agricultural knowledge and financial understanding. Critical thinking, attention to detail, being great with numbers, understanding farming, and agricultural trends and not minding wearing wellies rather than loafer is going to be just a few of the traits you’ll need to be happy in this career path.

Pest control is big business. Millions of farmer produce millions of produce a day. Almost all crops and animals are susceptible to disease and pests. If a particularly severe infestation hits, and there is nothing done about it early on a farmer could lose their whole years worth of work. Custom applicators and pest control will ensure the farmer has someone on hand to nip these things in the bud the moment it arises.

A custom application is someone that is paid to apply specific crop health products to a harvest as a service. Both of these jobs are vital for maintaining the income of the farm. Both of these positions will need to have a stringent work ethic and a keen eye. You’ll be the front line between insects, birds, and other pests that can easily and swiftly destroy a crop. These jobs are rather great as they are pretty seasonal. Most pests and chemicals need to be applied at a predetermined time in the growth cycle.

Agricultural retail is big business. To be successful or really make the best of the position you will need to have a general knowledge of almost every piece of equipment, a lot about livestock and crops too. You will be who the farmers and farm managers come to replace old equipment or to get the correct crop nutrition and protection. While most farmers will have long-standing knowledge, you can advise on new products.

Most farms are of course in very rural areas. So your customers will be regulars, ordering the same things almost at the same time each season. If you have a good rapport with all the locals, you’re very unlikely to ever run out of trade. If you are great at being outdoors, love engaging with people, and are keen to keep your knowledge as sharp as possible then this might just be for you!

There is little doubt that with hard work and applying some knowledge of agriculture you can have a lifelong career in any of the fields above. If taking a deep breath of early morning air and some number crunching while is wellington boots sound like it might be the life for you then check out agricultural jobs. And, you might even get to eat a plate of food filled with crops you’ve helped to grow.

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