Agriculture

Cultivating Sustainability and Nourishing the World

Agriculture is all about growing plants and raising animals for food, clothing, and other products we use every day. It includes farming, taking care of animals, and using science and machines to make sure we have enough food for everyone. Today's agriculture uses new tools like drones, robots, and computers to help farms work better and protect the environment.

Why We Love Agriculture

An image representing the Agriculture industry.

Agriculture is one of the most important industries in the world. Everyone needs to eat, and that's never going to change. As the global population grows and the climate changes, we need smart people to help grow food in new ways. That means there are lots of jobs, and many of them use exciting new technology.

If you want to make a difference, agriculture is a great place to start. You could help fight hunger, protect the environment, or create new tools that make farming more efficient. This field is also perfect for people who 1) like working with their hands or being outdoors; 2) care about animals, plants, or the planet; 3) want to use technology in creative ways; 4) are curious, hardworking, and ready to solve real-world problems

Plus, agriculture includes many jobs that don't require a four-year degree, and you can start earning and gaining experience quickly.

Great Industry Resources

Example Career: Precision Agriculture Technician

60,000

I never thought I'd fly drones for a living, but now I help farmers increase their yields and protect the environment. It's tech, it's nature, and it's making a difference.

Farmer in a field of wheat holding a laptop

Luis M.

Precision Agriculture Technician

Top Tips

You don't need a four-year degree to get started.

Many agriculture jobs only require a certificate or hands-on experience. For example, solar panel installers and wind turbine technicians are in high demand and can earn strong wages with just vocational training. In fact, wind turbine technician ranks among the top-paying jobs in the U.S. that don't require a bachelor's degree. Programs at schools like Fox Valley Technical College or Central Texas College offer affordable training that can lead straight to good-paying careers.

Agriculture can be physically demanding, but it's also rewarding.

Working in farming, fishing, or logging often means early mornings, long hours, and physical labor. While this has traditionally been a male-dominated field, more women are entering agriculture every year. Strength, stamina, and a strong work ethic are valued here, but so are problem-solving skills, creativity, and care for the environment.

The best way to start is by learning from someone in the field.

Apprenticeships, internships, and mentorships are powerful ways to build experience and see if agriculture is right for you. Many trade associations and local co-ops offer networking, training, or job placement support. Spending time on a farm, in a greenhouse, or at an equipment dealership gives you real insight into daily life in the industry.

The industry is becoming more sustainable and innovative.

Agriculture isn't what it used to be. Logging, fishing, and farming have all adopted new techniques to protect ecosystems and preserve resources. Today's loggers might work with GPS and drones to manage sustainable forests. Fish can be raised on aquaculture farms instead of caught at sea. There are also many behind-the-scenes roles, like food packaging, cold storage, or shipping, that support the industry without being physically intensive.

Hear from Someone in Agriculture

This content is based on the National Career Clusters® Framework, a national initiative led by Advance CTE. Advance CTE works to empower every learner to pursue career success through high-quality CTE programs. Their modernized framework helps connect education to real-world career opportunities and is used across the United States to guide career exploration and planning.