Agricultural production programs focus on the economics, general planning, and use of facilities, equipment, labor, natural resources, and capital required to produce animal and plant products. These programs are designed to help prepare students to work in ranching, farming, forestry, and agribusiness. Just a few of the many careers available to graduates with a degree in agricultural production include Animal Breeder, Aquaculturist, Equine Operator, Farm Manager, Farmer, Feedlot Manager, Forest Manager, Fruit and Vegetable Grower, Greenhouse Manager, Nursery Manager and Operator, Rancher, Seed Producer, Tree Farmer, Turf Producer, and Viticulturist.
One of the best aspects of earning a degree in agricultural production are the job opportunities that abound upon graduation. It’s estimated that there are approximately 8,000 new job opportunities in agricultural production each year compared to the 7,000 graduates with the education and skill sets required to fill these positions. In short, there are more job openings than there are candidates to fill them. In fact, over 16% of all new positions available each year to college graduates are in industries (food, agriculture, natural resoure systems, etc.) relating to agricultural and forestry production.
Historically, careers in agricultural production were for traditional ranchers, farmers, and herd managers. However, as this industry has and continues to consolidate, there will be fewer and fewer opportunities for those involved in the production of traditional commodities such as corn, wheat, cotton, soybeans, hogs, cattle, and other livestock. More opportunity will exist in industries relating to fruits and vegetables, landscape horticultural crops, and other specialty crops. Agricultural production professionals who are able to capture niche markets and sell products and services directly to consumers are likely to find the greatest opportunities.
It’s estimated that 90% of all agricultural and forestry production positions will be filled by graduates who’ve completed an advanced degree in agriculture and natural resources. All remaining positions will be filled by professionals with degrees in various allied fields including biological sciences, applied technologies and business.
The following colleges and universities provide majors and degree programs in Agricultural Production.
- Barton County Community College Great Bend, KS
- Big Bend Community College Moses Lake, WA
- Black Hawk College Moline, IL
- Blue Mountain Community College Pendleton, OR
- Cloud County Community College Concordia, KS
- Crowder College Neosho, MO
- Delaware Technical and Community College: Owens Georgetown, DE
- Highland Community College Freeport, IL
- Hopkinsville Community College Hopkinsville, KY
- Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa, IA
- Iowa Lakes Community College Estherville, IA
- John Wood Community College Quincy, IL
- Laramie County Community College Cheyenne, WY
- Lincoln Land Community College Springfield, IL
- Madisonville Community College Madisonville, KY
- Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
- Mineral Area College Park Hills, MO
- Minnesota West Community and Technical College Pipestone, MN
- Muscatine Community College Muscatine, IA
- North Iowa Area Community College Mason City, IA
- Northeast Community College Norfolk, NE
- Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar, IA
- Northeastern Junior College Sterling, CO
- Owensboro Community and Technical College Owensboro, KY
- Purdue University West Lafayette, IN
- Rend Lake College Ina, IL
- Ridgewater College Willmar, MN
- Sheridan College Sheridan, WY
- South Central College North Mankato, MN
- Southwestern Community College Creston, IA
- Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX
- Texas A&M University College Station, TX
- University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, AR
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA
- Walla Walla Community College Walla Walla, WA
- Wenatchee Valley College Wenatchee, WA
- Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY
- Wilmington College Wilmington, OH