Careers and Jobs

[sizzler14]

So many kids today are going to college now majoring in Ag, getting their 4 year degree, turning around and saying Oh Sh**, there arent any jobs out there in my area for this. So I thought it would be a good idea for people to list what are some ag-related jobs out there that are abundant, over-looked, not thought of, high paying etc? Dont just think about the midwest where crops and genetic jobs are popular. think of the northeast the nortwest southwest southeast etc. Think of jobs that might pay 35k+ to make the college tuition expense worth the hassel. Please no smart-mouth remarks. This post is meant for high school kids and even college kids ideas in ag to further our generations and their careers! So lets name some jobs..  (clapping)

 

[garett]

Lets hope this gets lots of hit! I'm about to graduate this Fall, I'm majoring in Ag Business and minoring in Animal Science and don't have any job/career in mind that I'm really shooting for.

 

[vc]

This subject was discussed in length sometime ago on this site, I believe it was pointed out that instead of Ag Business, Business would be a better choice. A person with an Ag background and a degree in Business would have more options in the job market Ag or non Ag, than someone with a Ag Business degree. If you are pursuing a degree in a specialized field such as crop management, vet science, animal re pro it might be better to major in a non Ag based degree and minor in the Ag fields.
I'm in no way trying to discourage a field in Ag, just pointing out what was discussed earlier. To many kids just pick a major with no long term plan.

 

[ZNT]

I graduated from the University of Nebraska with a BS in Animal Science.  My education and ag background helped me get a job with a Major Class 1 railroad.  I spent the first 4 years of my career working in the Ag Marketing group, and then another 2 years working on an ag equipment desk. Definitely not the typical major for those entering the railroad industry.

I am pretty sure that our current Chief Marketing Officer graduated North Dakota State with an Animal Science degree.

 

[obie105]

Agronomy is hot right now atleast in the midwest. I have been looking at jobs and agronomy is my weakest spot and in the midwest probably 75% of the jobs are in it. Got agcareers.com and it has jobs and tons of great information.,

 

[Aussie]

A post on a similar subject. http://www.steerplanet.com/bb/the-big-show/what-kind-of-jobs and when it comes to reading about me back buying cattle and look back on that time staying at home looking after the kids and think how lucky I was.  ;D

 

[blackdiamond]

Animal Sciences degree wasn't going to do anything for me- good think I realized it when I did, and added a 2nd degree...

The Forestry dual major, with the added minors in Nat. Res and Conservation-- is pretty much what did it.

But like everything, it boiled down to who I knew, and what I knew.

 

[garybob]

As I understand things, many High Schools in the Southeast are experiencing a shortage in available candidates to fill vacancies in the area of Agricultural Education. Get away from the snow, and head down to fescue-and-Bermudagrass country. at least for a few years while Y'uns build your resume.
Lots of old-fart Ag Teachers are retiring now.Even if your degree is in ANSC, HORT, AGRN, etc, you could pursue a teaching liscence through non-traditional certification.

Just a thought.

GB

 

[kidsandkows]

I believe there are good careers in ag. A lot of the careers are not so hot in the way of money but are great in the way of life that you get to lead. Keep in mind sometimes it is not about the highest paying job but the one that gives you the most personal satisfaction.

That being said I am not that far removed from the undecided college student to understand that at that time in your life you arent sure what gives you personal satisfaction. My advice is if you think you know exactly what you want to do/be then go right in to that degree/feild. If you dont do something vague like education/business to give yourself more opportunites. The degree itself is valuable for the simple fact that you show perspective employers that you start something and finish it! However a lot of times it does come down to who you know or other connections. So networking is a good thing.

Anyway a couple of other suggestions:  Extension Agent, Inspector (Meat, Livestock), Other gov Agencies (USDA, NRCS, FSA), Feed and Drug Co. Sales Reps., Farm & Ranch Managers

Best advice though is to enjoy the experience!

 

[showsteerdlux]

Lots of jobs in the poultry and swine industries.

Got to remember a processing plant is always hiring.

 

[mccannfarms]

I believe there are good careers in ag. A lot of the careers are not so hot in the way of money but are great in the way of life that you get to lead. Keep in mind sometimes it is not about the highest paying job but the one that gives you the most personal satisfaction.

That being said I am not that far removed from the undecided college student to understand that at that time in your life you arent sure what gives you personal satisfaction. My advice is if you think you know exactly what you want to do/be then go right in to that degree/feild. If you dont do something vague like education/business to give yourself more opportunites. The degree itself is valuable for the simple fact that you show perspective employers that you start something and finish it! However a lot of times it does come down to who you know or other connections. So networking is a good thing.

Anyway a couple of other suggestions:  Extension Agent, Inspector (Meat, Livestock), Other gov Agencies (USDA, NRCS, FSA), Feed and Drug Co. Sales Reps., Farm & Ranch Managers

Best advice though is to enjoy the experience!

I graduated with a BS in Animal Science w/ a minor in Ag Biz back in Aug. and have been trying to get a USDA job and even with 3 years of internships with FSA and participating in special NRCS projects and an uncle that works for FSA.  I can't even get an interview right now... There are so many veterans entering civil service right now that get to claim veterans preference that it is making it almost impossible to get a job with the USDA right now... also a lot of things have been on hold due to the delay of the Farm Bill and that just passed a 9 mos. extension so agency's are now trying to plan and budget to see if they will even be able to hire.. But by this time next year who know it may be a completely new ball of wax.

 

[RyanChandler]

Plain and simple: ag degrees do not prepare you to operate in a business environment.  Unless you're gonna be an engineer or an architect, major in Business Administration and minor in w/e else.  Otherwise, learn a trade.

 

[ZNT]

Plain and simple: ag degrees do not prepare you to operate in a business environment.  Unless you're gonna be an engineer or an architect, major in Business Administration and minor in w/e else.  Otherwise, learn a trade.

I understand where you are coming from about Ag Majors, and mainstream business, and in most respects, you are correct. Ag degrees do not prepare you to work in Corporate America, but I'd argue that college in general does not prepare you. What made a difference for me that set me apart from the normal college grads was the fact that I spent my first 4 years out of college self employed and managing our family operation. It is a whole different ball game when it is your own money, and your own life that ever decision risks.

I used to get very annoyed with people at work that would think they were pretty hot stuff then they would close a multi-million dollar deal. They were playing with someone else's money, and usually dealing with some doing the same. Until you risk everything you own on a business decision, I am not impressed at all what someone can do with someone else's money. That's what college did not teach me!  You learn that after you graduate.

 

[blackdiamond]

I believe there are good careers in ag. A lot of the careers are not so hot in the way of money but are great in the way of life that you get to lead. Keep in mind sometimes it is not about the highest paying job but the one that gives you the most personal satisfaction.

That being said I am not that far removed from the undecided college student to understand that at that time in your life you arent sure what gives you personal satisfaction. My advice is if you think you know exactly what you want to do/be then go right in to that degree/feild. If you dont do something vague like education/business to give yourself more opportunites. The degree itself is valuable for the simple fact that you show perspective employers that you start something and finish it! However a lot of times it does come down to who you know or other connections. So networking is a good thing.

Anyway a couple of other suggestions:  Extension Agent, Inspector (Meat, Livestock), Other gov Agencies (USDA, NRCS, FSA), Feed and Drug Co. Sales Reps., Farm & Ranch Managers

Best advice though is to enjoy the experience!

I graduated with a BS in Animal Science w/ a minor in Ag Biz back in Aug. and have been trying to get a USDA job and even with 3 years of internships with FSA and participating in special NRCS projects and an uncle that works for FSA.  I can't even get an interview right now... There are so many veterans entering civil service right now that get to claim veterans preference that it is making it almost impossible to get a job with the USDA right now... also a lot of things have been on hold due to the delay of the Farm Bill and that just passed a 9 mos. extension so agency's are now trying to plan and budget to see if they will even be able to hire.. But by this time next year who know it may be a completely new ball of wax.

send me a pm..

are you willing to relocate?

hiring like crazy in IL...

 

[jsuhr]

I'm glad this was brought up. I am graduating this spring and heading to The University of Wisconsin River Falls in the fall. I am convinced on majoring in an ag field but couldn't necessarily decide a specific major. So I looked more and found that Agriculture Studies is broad enough that it touches on many aspects of the industry. There are business classes, plant and animal science classes, ag engineering classes, ag economic classes and farm management classes as well as  many more. Looking more into this major I feel as if  it gives a student many more options, compared to a more specific degree. Although the degree doesn't point you to an exact job or career it is certainly a great start for a career in the agriculture industry.

Like ZNT had mentioned, it's different when a guy is using his own money and not someone else'. I have a small herd that I plan to expand once out of college and am confident that hard work and good decisions will greatly help me get through college successfully.
Just ones mans opinion though.

 

[KSanburg]

I understand where you are coming from about Ag Majors, and  (clapping)mainstream business, and in most respects, you are correct. Ag degrees do not prepare you to work in Corporate America, but I'd argue that college in general does not prepare you. What made a difference for me that set me apart from the normal college grads was the fact that I spent my first 4 years out of college self employed and managing our family operation. It is a whole different ball game when it is your own money, and your own life that ever decision risks.

I used to get very annoyed with people at work that would think they were pretty hot stuff then they would close a multi-million dollar deal. They were playing with someone else's money, and usually dealing with some doing the same. Until you risk everything you own on a business decision, I am not impressed at all what someone can do with someone else's money. That's what college did not teach me!  You learn that after you graduate.

(clapping) (clapping) (clapping) (clapping)

It's easy when you are not risking any of your own skin. I tried to get my oldest to look at chemical engineering but she thinks mechanical engineering is where it's at, I have told all of my kids to look at fields outside of Ag, not that I don't want them to be on the ranch but more that they have something to go to that is less risk.if they decide to go on with a field in Ag it will be from a minor degree or secondary schooling.