Top 9
reasons to work
in Agriculture
One: Working in Agriculture
is a meaningful career choice
Technology might be changing the world at a faster and faster rate, but there’s one thing that will always remain the same: people need to eat.
Ensuring the world has enough safe and nutritious food is a huge, important job, and one that brings increased demand for farmers, scientists, veterinarians, engineers, marketeers and business experts, to name just a few.
There’s no doubt about it, food and farming is here to stay — and that makes it a great place to build a long-lasting career which is helping to change the world for the greater good.
Two: Join the tech revolution
From satellite controlled tractors to automated robots, the agricultural industry is leading the way in technology and state-of-the-art equipment.
Scientists are working on subjects such as plant and livestock genetics and disease control, and technology experts are developing everything from 3D printed food to cloud-based software systems.
It’s an exciting time to be part of Agriculture and those within it are working hard to make sure it remains at the front of technological and scientific advances.
Three: Be part of a growing industry
About 480 million people worldwide work directly in Agriculture, with 1.5% of the UK population working in the sector. But that number doesn’t include the hundreds of thousands of people who work in the wider food sector and associated industries.
Thanks to the growing world population, which is expected to hit 10 billion by 2050, there’s more demand than ever on farmers to produce food, while there are new business opportunities growing in energy production, carbon capture and environmental management.
Developments in science and technology mean there are also countless other Agriculture and environment-related jobs being created in industries, ranging from engineering and finance to computer science and biology.
Four: Travel the world
Agriculture is a global industry with global impact, and for those who are interested in learning from other countries or sharing best practice, there are always opportunities to travel and see the world.
As well as job opportunities abroad — there are plenty of opportunities to spend a summer driving a massive combine on the open fields across Australia or working as a shepherd on a ranch in Canada - you could also take up an academic or research exchange programme overseas and experience new cultures.
There are lots of industry grants and awards which can help you add some passport stamps while learning about Agriculture overseas.
Five: You'll be in high demand
There is a lot of demand for skilled graduates to join the agricultural industry, but the sector is one where you don't need a degree or qualification to get started.
Because there are so many different and interesting jobs in the sector requiring varying skills, you’re bound to find one that matches your own special talents and interests.
Agriculture is always on the look-out for bright, energetic and ambitious individuals to make an impact.
Six: Unearth scientific breakthroughs
Growing crops and raising livestock might look simple, but there’s a huge amount of science behind producing what we eat.
Millions of pounds are spent every year on developing crop varieties, understanding soil health and creating greener inputs, as well as improving livestock genetics, animal health and welfare.
Work doesn’t just happen in laboratories and research institutions either – on farms producers make use of crop, livestock and soil science to ensure best practice. If you’re interested in science, this really is the industry for you.
Spare a thought for the amazing work that goes in to producing a bag of crisps or a milkshake.
Seven: Agriculture is saving the world
Contrary to what you might have heard, Agriculture isn’t destroying our planet. In fact, it has an important role to play in helping protect the environment and is committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2040.
As well as producing food, farming can help prevent flooding, restore habitats and wildlife, remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and improve the quality of our soils. Even now, farmers are planting millions of trees to help pollination across the UK, providing a home for wildlife and shelter for crops and animals.
And while cow burps do emit methane, the amount of greenhouse gases the industry produces is actually more than 20-times smaller than the transport industry, and trails way behind energy, business and residential sectors.
Eight: It pays to be in Agriculture
Jobs in Agriculture pay better than the national average and they have better retention and satisfaction rates than other industries in the UK.
Many jobs come with perks too, like company cars, mobile phones and, in some cases, accommodation.
Like any career, if you’re prepared to work hard there are plenty of opportunities to progress your career and earn more.
Salaries can be attractive, for example, the average starting salary for an Agricultural engineer is £24k, a software researcher £25k, and environmental researcher £25k.
Nine: Enjoy a great work-life balance
While it’s true that the hours can be long at certain times of the year, it’s not true to say a career in Agriculture will mean your whole life will be tied to your job.
Technology such as robotic milkers and automated tractors are helping to streamline farm operations, making jobs easier and less time consuming.
Away from the farm, good employers recognise the need to respect employees’ hours, have ample holiday and time with their families — those who don’t quickly find themselves looking for new staff.