Agriculture Careers ALWAYS Essential

• Maggie Earle- Sexton
• March 17, 2023
• Infographic

When you think of agriculture, what comes to mind?

Perhaps images of vast fields, tractors plowing the land, and farmers tending to their crops. While these are certainly key components of agriculture, they represent only a fraction of what the industry truly encompasses.

One of the most obvious ways that agriculture impacts our lives is through the food we eat. Whether we purchase our food at the grocery store, eat at a restaurant, or grow our own food, agriculture is involved in every step of the process. But agriculture’s influence goes beyond just the food we eat. The clothes we wear are made from fibers produced by plants such as cotton, flax, and hemp, which are grown and harvested by farmers. Many of the products we use in our daily lives, such as furniture, paper products, and building materials, are also made from materials that come from agricultural products. From scientists and engineers to marketers and logistics professionals, there are countless careers that play a vital role in supporting agriculture and ensuring that food gets from farm to table.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), agriculture employs over 20 million people in the United States alone, contributing $1.053 trillion to the country’s GDP. That’s right, agriculture is a big business, and it touches the lives of every person in the country, whether they realize it or not.

Think about it - every time you sit down to eat, you are benefiting from the work of farmers and the entire agricultural industry. The USDA reports that the average American consumes over 2,700 calories per day, and that food comes from a complex network of growers, processors, distributors, and retailers that work tirelessly to ensure that we have access to a safe, affordable, and abundant food supply.

But what about those who don’t work directly in farming? Are they still involved in agriculture? Absolutely. From engineers who design and build state-of-the-art farm machinery, to scientists who develop new seed varieties and pest management techniques, to marketing and sales professionals who ensure that food products make it to store shelves, there are countless careers that support the agricultural industry and help to feed the world.

And let’s not forget about the role of technology in agriculture. Today’s farmers use sophisticated GPS systems to guide their equipment, drones to monitor crops, and data analytics to make informed decisions about everything from planting schedules to fertilizer applications. Without these technological advancements, it would be impossible to feed a growing global population that is expected to reach over 9 billion by 2050.

Agriculture touches every aspect of our lives, even if we are not directly involved in the farming process. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, the products we use, and the natural environment we rely on, agriculture is a fundamental part of our modern society.

As consumers, it is important to understand and appreciate the vital role that agriculture plays in our lives and to support the farmers and businesses that work to provide us with the products we rely on every day. The next time you sit down to enjoy a snack or meal, take a second to value the hard work and dedication of the millions of people who make agriculture possible. Whether they are farmers, engineers, scientists, or marketers, they all play a vital role in ensuring that we have access to the food we need to thrive. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll find yourself pursuing a career in agriculture, too.

After all, it’s a field that offers endless opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the world.

There is a spot for everyone in Agriculture: find yours today!