Careers in Agriculture: More Varied Than You Might Think!

Dec 18, 2024

4 min read

When many people think of careers in agriculture, they envision being a farmer or rancher. But agriculture is far more than raising animals or growing food. While these are critically important functions, there is a long list of other agriculture careers available to you today.

Whether your interest lies in biology or veterinary medicine, engineering and trades, or finance and accounting, there is something for everyone in modern agriculture. While some of these careers require a degree, others require only that you have an interest and a desire to learn.

Below is just a sample of the many opportunities available.

Animal Sciences

Veterinarians and veterinary technicians might be the first careers that come to mind when you think of animal sciences, and take it from me: Being a vet is a great way to make a living!

There is plenty of demand for large animal vets, and it’s worth saying that you don’t have to have been raised on a farm to work with livestock. In my case, I didn’t start working with livestock until college and didn’t choose my career path working with dairy cattle until my 4th year of veterinary school.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says there are many areas in the US where food animal vet services are inadequate. Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future also notes the shortage and says the role of food animal veterinarians has never been more important.

With this in mind, efforts are underway to get veterinary students interested. For example, my alma mater, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, is using a USDA grant to reach out to high school students about the opportunities available in livestock medicine.

This field welcomes anyone with a passion for working with animals and a strong work ethic.

There are also other career paths available in animal sciences. From geneticists to animal nutritionists, beekeepers to pathologists, and even artificial insemination techs, there is no shortage of related fields involved in agriculture.

Plant and Food Sciences

Other scientific careers in agriculture can be found in studies related to plants and food. These jobs might involve working in the field, in an office, or in a laboratory.

Food scientists work in a wide range of jobs, but might be involved in such tasks as enhancing the nutritional content of food crops or improving sustainability. Food safety and quality assurance are also important roles.

Seed genetics, crop production, entomology, agronomy, and even food and grain inspection and sales all fall under the umbrella of plant and food career paths.

Engineering and Skilled Trades in Agriculture

There are a lot of machines and equipment in agriculture that need to be designed, built, operated, and maintained - from small tractors to massive harvesters and food processing and packaging plant equipment. Automated milking machines are another example of modern equipment. Check out this huge rotary milking parlor.

Mechanics, mechanical and design engineers, heavy equipment operators, and maintenance techs all have a role to play in agriculture. Electricians and refrigeration specialists, welders, and truck drivers can also find opportunities to work in agricultural sectors.

IT and Other Technology

With each year that passes, technology plays a greater role in agriculture. From programmers and software developers to drones and large automated systems, the ag sector is taking advantage of high tech, offering yet another path to a career in agriculture.

Precision farming is one area where technology plays a role. According to the US Government Accountability Office, precision farming uses GPS data and other technologies and automation to make farms more efficient, including precise application of seeds, water, and fertilizers.

Automation is also on the rise in everything from modern milking machines to self-driving tractors and harvesters. Computer-controlled systems are more common in larger operations, but even small farms can benefit from technology.

Finance and Business Services

Large or small, a farm is a business, and so it needs all the traditional business services such as accounting, sales, and marketing.

At the top level, agriculture careers related to business and finance can include the C-suite - chief executive, finance, or operations officers.

Financial and market analysts, accountants and bookkeepers, human resources specialists, loans officers, and crop adjusters are all included in this area of employment.

Other Opportunities for Careers in Agriculture

Many occupations lend themselves to a specialization in agriculture. Some we have already mentioned, such as accounting or engineering.

Another example might be journalism, where you could report on farming economics, technologies, agricultural research, and much more, and play a role in the public’s understanding of agriculture. Or lobbying, which involves making sure the voices of the agricultural community are heard in government policy and decision making.

In these jobs, you might not be working with animals or plants, but you will be making an important contribution to the agricultural sector.

Careers in agriculture are not just about individual expertise; they're about working together. Collaboration between diverse roles, from scientists and engineers to farmers and business professionals, is the backbone of the industry’s success. By connecting and sharing knowledge, these varied careers create innovative solutions, improve sustainability, and ensure a thriving future for agriculture. Together, we can achieve more than any one person or field could alone.

Whether you picture yourself out on the land, on the road, in a lab, or in an office, one of the many careers in agriculture could be a great fit for you. You are limited only by your imagination!