Just over half of the U.S.’s 2.3 billion acres of land is used for agricultural purposes. This includes everything from cattle farming and cropland to forestry and aquaculture. There are also small enterprises like permaculture farms, tiny house communities, and even city-based vertical and aquaponics farms.
If you’re interested in getting involved in any aspect of the agribusiness industry in America, you might be looking at your options. Studying agribusiness management is undoubtedly an option. But there are other ways to get started in this dynamic, vital, and increasingly technology-driven environment.
Read on to find out what paths are available to someone keen to get started in working the land.
Do a Farm Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships, also sometimes known as internships in some industries, offer career starters an affordable option to learn on-the-job skills. You get paid a stipend while learning.
People who take up an apprenticeship have usually recently graduated from high school or their Bachelor’s degree. Farming-related apprenticeships typically teach skills related to farm management, such as becoming a ranch manager. This could be in any agribusiness area–whether that means working with vegetable and fruit crops or animals.
Farm apprentices learn practical skills alongside theoretical or in-classroom training. They might also have the opportunity to participate in farmer mentorship programs.
In America, apprenticeship programs are regulated on a federal and state level. Organizations offering apprenticeship opportunities have to meet minimum requirements for the education, training, and salaries they provide.
Upskill With Short Courses
Maybe you’re fresh out of high school. Perhaps you’re debating whether to pursue a Master’s degree. Or it could be that you’ve been working as a farmhand but want to level up your experience and skill set.
Whatever the reason you’re unsure of your next steps, taking a short agribusiness management course is a great way to add to your CV. And this can help you move up the career ladder in your chosen field.
It doesn’t have to break the bank either! You undertake a short course while you’re working, so you don’t lose any income. Short course fees are a lot more affordable than a diploma or degree program. And you can even find agricultural short courses for free on MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platforms like Coursera.
Work in Periphery Industries
Many people think that you need to be a farmer to work in the agricultural sector. In actual fact, there is an enormous array of services working to support the industry.
You could work in everything from agribusiness insurance services and farm vehicle sales to food science. Today, even the foodservice industry has deepened its ties with where the produce they use comes from. For example, chefs work with local producers in farm-to-table restaurants.
Become a teacher at an agricultural school, inspiring the next generation of farmworkers. Study to be an engineer who innovates farming equipment to make agricultural production easier. Train as a vintner (or winemaker) and create stunning vintages coveted around the world.
You’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to working in agribusiness management.
Start Your Own Agriculture Business
If you already have an excellent agribusiness idea, you might be ready to dive straight into starting a business. Ideally, you’ll have some savings behind you, and if you haven’t already, you’ll need to create a solid business plan and budget.
If you’ve got a smart plan, be it starting an organic vegetable farm or opening an online hydroponic supply store, you’ll need funding to get it off the ground. Of course, you don’t need all the cash upfront. Chat with farmer-friendly banks like Farmersbankidaho.com about an ag loan.
There are also numerous grants young farmers can access. These are offered by national and state governments and also by some non-profits and universities.
Finally, check out the laws in your state regarding business registration. Typically, you’ll need to register a name and employer ID number and buy a business license and insurance.
Get an Agriculture Business Degree
If you study for a degree in agribusiness, you’ll analyze the latest research and learn contemporary techniques for improving the agricultural industry. Your studies could have a local, national, or even global focus.
Like corporate businesses, farms need to master their distribution channels, keep their overheads down, and grow profits. This degree program will teach how standard business management practices and theories can be adapted to a farm setting.
Of course, studying agricultural business management doesn’t mean you’re destined to become a farm manager. There are various paths for a graduate of an agribusiness program. You could be a financial analyst, environmental advisor, marketing expert, or salesperson.
And best of all, these roles are available across the private, government, and education sectors.
Look for Work Overseas
If you’re not quite ready for study or full-time work, here’s one of the best agriculture business ideas you could have. Head overseas and pay for your travels with farm work!
Farming jobs abroad usually involve physical labor, and many don’t require any former experience. For example, you could head to New Zealand to pick grapes for the wine harvest, plant vegetables at an organic farm in Italy, or help bring in the bananas in Ecuador.
Some positions are volunteer only. In this case, your accommodation and food are usually provided. Other placements are paid, whether that’s an internship or actual salaried work.
Either way, you’re guaranteed to come back to the States with loads of farming experience and maybe even a bit of savings.
Agribusiness Management: Right Path for You?
As you can see, there are so many options available to people wanting a career in farming. You could pursue agribusiness management studies to a Master’s level, head straight into your career by starting your own business, or even travel and train in farming. If you’re unsure where to start, dip your toes in a few online short courses and see if you like what you learn.
For more information on typical career paths, head back to our blog and browse our other articles.