The Latest Trends for Careers in Agriculture

It’s no secret that the agricultural industry is ripe with opportunities. With the average age of the American farmer sitting at 56 in 2023, there’s a growing need for fresh talent. As such, there are a wide variety of careers in agriculture available – from precision agriculture specialists to sustainable farming consultants.

With new jobs being created every single day, there’s no better time to start working with an agribusiness recruiter. The team at Mac & Fulton Talent Partners is constantly exploring new opportunities in agriculture, CEA, food production, and beyond.

Here are some of the most promising careers in agriculture in 2024:

1. Precision Agriculture Specialist

Precision agriculture is revolutionizing the way we farm. Using advanced technology such as GPS, IoT, and drones, precision agriculture specialists monitor crops and soil to improve efficiency and yield.

As a precision agriculture specialist, you’ll be responsible for analyzing data. Your findings will then be used to help farmers make informed decisions about planting, fertilizing, and harvesting.

By leveraging precision technologies, farmers can increase crop production by up to 4%. What’s even more impressive is that’s all while reducing fertilizer, herbicide, fossil fuel, and water use by as much as 9%.

2. Agriculture Marketing and Sales Professionals

In an era where consumers are increasingly concerned about the origins of their food amidst this market growth, agriculture marketing and sales professionals play a crucial role. They connect farmers with markets, ensuring that fresh produce reaches consumers efficiently.

Your role as an agriculture marketing and sales professional will involve a medley of tasks, such as developing marketing strategies, conducting market research, and building relationships with distributors and retailers. For instance, you might work on a campaign to promote organic produce in urban farmers’ markets.

This career offers a median salary of $156,580 per year, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

3. Sustainable Farming Consultant

Sustainable farming is more than a trend; it’s a necessity. According to the National Young Farmers Coalition’s (NYFC’s) 2022 National Young Farmer Survey, 86% of young farmers practice regenerative farming, while 97% use other sustainable practices.

Sustainable farming consultants help farmers adopt eco-friendly practices that benefit both the environment and their bottom line. Your job as a sustainable farming consultant will be to assess current farming practices and recommend sustainable alternatives. This could involve advising on crop rotation, organic fertilizers, and water conservation techniques.

4. Agriculture and Food Scientist

Agricultural and food scientists are the unsung heroes of the agriculture industry. They research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.

In 2023, the median pay for agricultural and food scientists was $76,400 per year, with a projected job growth of 6% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS.

Working in laboratories, offices, and the field, agricultural and food scientists conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop new products. For example, you might work on creating a new type of drought-resistant crop or improving the nutritional content of a food product.

5. Agronomists

Agronomists are the backbone of crop production, studying soil, plants, and weather patterns, all with the goal of helping farmers grow healthier, more productive crops. The employment of agronomists is projected to grow by a whopping 7% by 2028.

Companies like DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto are always on the lookout for skilled agronomists to join their teams.

Summary: 2024 Careers in Agriculture

The future of agriculture is bright for those willing to dig in and get their hands dirty. From precision agriculture specialists to agronomists, the careers highlighted here offer not only financial rewards but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Get Started with M&F Talent Today!

The industry needs innovative thinkers like you to lead the way. At Mac & Fulton Talent Partners, we want to help you find the perfect role. Our team of skilled recruiters has a wide network of clients in agriculture, CEA, hydroponics, and food production.

If you’re ready to plant the seeds for your future, join us today. Let’s grow together.

Contact us to discuss careers in agriculture!