As a new wave of graduates looks to plant their roots in the agriculture industry, a notable shift is occurring in the job market. While certain segments, particularly in corporate agriculture, have seen recent layoffs, the demand for hands-on, service-oriented roles remains robust. Tammy Jensen of AgriCareers, Inc., a leading voice in agricultural recruitment, offers crucial advice for job seekers and sheds light on where the greatest opportunities lie.
“Within the ag industry, the last 12 to 18 months, I have actually seen unemployment probably be higher in ag industry than it typically has been,” Jensen observed. This trend, she notes, has been most pronounced in areas like “the seed and, chemical companies, equipment manufacturers,” where “quite a few riffs” have occurred.
However, this doesn’t paint the full picture of the agricultural job landscape. Jensen emphasizes that a strong demand persists on the service side. “There is still demand in the service side of it,” she stated, highlighting roles in “maintenance or equipment agronomy, hands on farm positions where you know it’s physical labor caring for the animals or planting the crops, those jobs are still plentiful, I think.”
The perceived “unglamorous” nature of these essential roles is often cited as a reason for labor shortages. “They think it’s an unglamorous job. Possibly they want to be more involved in a sales role or management,” Jensen explained. Yet, she believes the service sector is where the real opportunities are. “Like anywhere else, I think the place to be in employment right now, our service,” she asserted, listing positions like “retail agronomy” or starting out “as a technician and implement dealership.” Jensen also points to general trades like “electricians” as having consistent demand for “service repair work where we’re always going to need them.”
For those entering the workforce, especially without prior experience, the willingness to embrace these hands-on roles is key. Jensen advises new graduates to “be willing to get your hands dirty.” She recounted a success story of a college graduate she placed as a custom applicator at a retail agronomy facility. “Within six months, he had moved up to a branch manager role,” she shared, emphasizing the potential for rapid advancement for those who prove their capabilities. While such rapid progression might not be typical for a high school graduate, Jensen noted that they “probably would be able to take on additional responsibilities,” and employers might even “help with schooling” for relevant classes.
Regarding compensation, Jensen confirmed that agricultural salaries have seen a significant increase over the past decade. “They’re definitely paying more than they were 10 years ago, salaries, I mean, have gone up a lot for agriculture,” she stated. While they “probably still lag behind some other industries,” the pay is “definitely better.” For new hires with limited experience, she suggests a strategic approach to salary negotiations. “Oftentimes, especially if they have no experience, it may require them to prove themselves first,” she advised. “From an employee perspective, you know, if they make you an offer, maybe counter with, you know, once I’ve proven myself, whether it be in six months, can we do a salary review? Can you lay out what I need to accomplish in order to earn more those types of things.”
Jensen’s overarching message for new graduates is clear: “Work hard, put in the extra effort. Ask what you can do to help.” This applies “across the board, whether it’s working on a farm or on a retail agronomy or whatever industry your branch of agriculture you’re working in.”
Finally, Jensen stressed the importance of leveraging all available resources in the job search. This includes “a recruiting agency or just going to career fairs or using connections of friends and family,” underscoring that a proactive and well-rounded approach is crucial for success in today’s evolving agricultural job market.
2025-09-05 19:49:00