The world is changing. AI promises to revolutionize if not totally disrupt many industries. Agriculture will certainly be revolutionized but probably not disrupted. In fact, people will still need to eat and knowledgeable agriculturists will be needed to provide the healthful foods of the future. So, if you are a young person looking forward to working in ag or you are someone looking to change careers, what jobs will feed the future?
Careers in Agriculture
(Updated: Sept. 12, 2025, 12:54 p.m.)
Careers in Agriculture
Many of the same career paths that have traditionally defined agricultural work will exist long into the future. According to the NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), "Demand for CALS grads is stronger than ever. USDA forecasts that demand for agriculture and food industries graduates will outpace supply by 22,500 a year – employers need more agricultural graduates."
"Six months after graduation, 68% of our graduates were either working in their chosen field or attending graduate or professional school. Roughly 80% of all CALS graduates and 91% of AGI graduates have jobs in agriculture and food industries.
85% of Food and Fiber Industry Jobs are Not Linked to Farming
According to CALS, "Not everyone who wants to work in agriculture and life sciences needs a farm. In fact, more than 85% of food and fiber industry jobs are not linked to farming:- 50% are in business management
- 12% are in agricultural education, communication, policy or regulation
- 27% are in the STEM fields
Many agricultural career fields have more jobs than we have graduates. In one high-need field, we are placing 95% of our CALS graduates with degrees aligning with that industry."
NC State College of Agriculture and life Sciences has a TWO YEAR AG DEGREE.
According to CALS here are a few fields where need is far outpacing graduates:
Agricultural Business Management and Economics
Agricultural Education
Agricultural Engineering
Animal Science and Production
Poultry Science and Production
Crop Science and Production
Horticultural Science and Production
Food Science and Production
Plant Biology
Soil Science and Land Use
Specific Job Titles Related to Agriculture
Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural Food Scientist
Agricultural Inspector
Agricultural Manager
Agricultural Specialist
Agronomist
Aquatic Ecologist
Arborist
Biotechnologist
Biochemist
Botanist
Conservation Planner
Conservationist
County Extension
Endangered Species Biologist
Fisheries Biologist
Fishery Manager
Geneticist
Forest Firefighter
Forest Health Specialist
Forest Ranger
Forester
Horticulturist
Landscaper
Municipal Forester
National Park Service Tech
Nutrient Management Specialist
Park Ranger
Plant Biologist
Plant Ecologist
Ranch Manager
Silvicultural Researcher
Soil Microbiologist
Soil And Plant Scientist
Soil Engineer
Water Conservationist
Water Management Planner
Wetlands Biologist
Wildlife Administrator
Wildlife Consultant
Wildlife Forensics
Wildlife Inspector
Wildlife Manager
Wildlife Officer
Wildlife Biologist
Agricultural employers:- Governmental
US Army
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
US Forest Service (USFS)
States Departments of Agriculture (all 50 plus territories)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
States Environmental Departments (all 50 plus territories)
City and County Governments
Cooperative Extension
Universities
United Nations
National Park Service- Private
Agricultural Technology Companies – Bayer, Syngenta
Food Companies – Dole, Driscoll, Delmonte
Agricultural Equipment Companies – John Deere, Caterpillar, International Harvester
Fertilizer Companies – United Phosphorous, Scotts
Banking – all banks, (PNC)
Insurance – all insurance, (Farm Bureau)
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