Have you ever thought about a career in agriculture? Before you immediately think “heck no!” and stop reading this, take a second to challenge your preconceived ideas about what the agriculture industry is. I know you’re probably thinking agriculture is all old men farmers, but I’m here to tell you it’s so much more than that! The agriculture industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that encompasses some of the leading technologies in the world. Not only that, but it’s also arguably one of the most secure job fields as there will always be the need for people to eat.
I was born and raised in a city, and I definitely never thought I would end up in agriculture. I knew I wanted to work with animals but I wasn’t sure what that would look like in terms of a career. Now I’m completing my last year of my PhD in animal science, specializing in dairy cattle. Even just within my dairy cattle sector, there are thousands of different types of jobs; Chemists to assess the biochemical properties of milk, engineers to design the most up-to-date milking technology, welfare specialists to advocate for the health and wellbeing of the cows, and nutritionists like myself to ensure cows are receiving the best possible nutrition. The agriculture industry includes jobs from every discipline including education, science, engineering, business, and even art. There is opportunity at every level to get involved in the industry in a way that matches your interests.
Aside from the diverse array of jobs offered, the agriculture industry provides opportunities to do work that really matters. What could be more important and meaningful work than literally helping to feed the world? Individuals in the industry devote their time and energy to improving quality and quantity of food to allow us to eat the food a lot of us take for granted every day. By working within the agriculture industry, you can apply your skills and knowledge in a way that ensures people in your community and around the world are fed. So before you rule out a career in agriculture because “that’s boring and for old men farmers”, think about how many different jobs are out there and how you could instill change in the world by helping to feed the world’s population.
