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Job outlook for agronomy specialists in the United States
Are agronomy specialist jobs in demand?
Agronomy specialist job and salary trends over time
Agronomy specialist jobs over time
Agronomy specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 284 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 248 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 247 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 241 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 239 | 0.00% |
Average agronomy specialist salary over time
Agronomy specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $50,979 | $24.51 | +0.4% |
| 2024 | $50,758 | $24.40 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $49,190 | $23.65 | +2.4% |
| 2022 | $48,047 | $23.10 | +6.3% |
| 2021 | $45,206 | $21.73 | +2.9% |
Agronomy specialist jobs by state
Most common states for agronomy specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 64 | 9% |
| 2 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 225 | 7% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 66 | 7% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 39 | 7% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 119 | 6% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 77 | 6% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 49 | 6% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 47 | 6% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 44 | 6% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 40 | 6% |
| 11 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 479 | 5% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 361 | 5% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 280 | 5% |
| 14 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 73 | 5% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 53 | 5% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 501 | 4% |
| 17 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 411 | 4% |
| 18 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 107 | 4% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 75 | 4% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 46 | 4% |
Agronomy Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of agronomy specialist experts
Pennsylvania State University
University of Connecticut
Park University
Southeast Missouri State University
University of Arizona
Cornell University
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Fort Hays State University
Tennessee Technological University
Arizona State University
University of Delaware
U.S. Department of Agriculture
University of California, Davis
Middle Tennessee State University
Utah State University
North Dakota State University
NC State University
What general advice would you give to an Agronomy Specialist?
Glen Ritchie Ph.D.: People like the opportunities to work outdoors and use state-of-the art sensing, precision ag, and production equipment and instrumentation. They enjoy the autonomy in day-to-day decision-making, and many are multi-generational agriculturists. Some of the issues that have been mentioned as challenges in the field include heavy time commitments during some periods of the year, as well as the challenges of working on a tight schedule to complete critical tasks. However, this also makes these careers rewarding to many people who enjoy the upbeat environment.
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Glen Ritchie Ph.D.: Agricultural technology is of fundamental importance to US and world food supply, and it is rewarding to see advancements in efficiency, environmental stewardship, and sustainability through research and production methods put in place through your own efforts.
What will help Agronomy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Glen Ritchie Ph.D.: Agricultural technologist covers a broad range of agricultural production, marketing, and research. Researchers largely work with the USDA, agricultural universities, and seed and fertilizer companies conducting research for their stakeholders. Those in agricultural production from our department have recently found positions doing technical work for precision agriculture and equipment dealerships, or as agronomists and farm managers. Others conduct data analytics for agricultural marketing and production, although this requires experience or a dual degree in data analytics.
What general advice would you give to an Agronomy Specialist?
John Fulton: Effective communication skills, both written and oral, are crucial. Build a solid technical foundation through practical experiences to acquire on-the-job skills. Develop business and management competencies, including financial and project management, as well as supply chain knowledge. Lifelong learning is essential to stay abreast of technological advancements and industry trends. Lastly, consider learning about artificial intelligence (AI) and its safe and effective integration into various job roles.
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Fulton: Ag Systems Management provides a variety of good-paying jobs that can be exciting and rewarding. Participate in internships to determine the area of specialization you are most interested in while developing technical and business proficiencies. Above all, learn to be a good communicator. Agricultural systems management is a dynamic field, and a combination of technical, business, and interpersonal skills will set you up for a successful career.
What will help Agronomy Specialists increase their earning potential?
John Fulton: While pursuing your degree, actively engage in internships and student clubs, and consider taking on leadership positions. Networking plays a crucial role, so attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with fellow professionals. Cultivate a robust LinkedIn profile and interact with peers in your field—networking often leads to job referrals and opportunities. Additionally, acquiring relevant certifications demonstrates your expertise and commitment. Finally, maintain a proactive, adaptable mindset and remain open to new possibilities.
What general advice would you give to an Agronomy Specialist?
Carlos Carpio: A graduate with a degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, or Agricultural Business has many career paths and jobs. My general advice is first to explore and get acquainted with all the available job opportunities. A graduate with an Agribusiness degree can find job opportunities throughout the entire agrifood supply chain, from the production and processing to the retailing of food and agricultural products. Examples of jobs include management of agricultural operations, sales, banking, manufacturing, logistics, and market analysis.
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Carlos Carpio: Given the rapid pace of technological development and adoption, the ability to learn independently is becoming increasingly important. Additionally, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills are in high demand and will continue to be essential.
What will help Agronomy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Carlos Carpio: Recent graduates should aim to develop a long-term perspective on their careers as soon as possible. This strategy enables them to thoughtfully select jobs and training opportunities as stepping stones in their career trajectory. (Ideally, students should start career planning during college, although this may not always be possible). At the same time, careers do not always follow a linear path; thus, you must be open to challenges and opportunities outside your comfort zone.
What general advice would you give to an Agronomy Specialist?
Trevor Bowes: Knowing how to fix greenhouse systems and grow plants with any method of cultivation will be invaluable. Many people know what to do but do not actually try to get better on their own time for their own benefit. The biggest new skill is how can you tie organic practices into larger synthetic agriculture to do less work overall, get better crops and make healthier lands. Both modes of growing need to work together if we are to find a better way to grow plants.
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Trevor Bowes: Get your hvac permit or become massively knowledgeable about pest control ipm with beneficial insects. Growing is fixing the greenhouse and scouting for bugs.
What will help Agronomy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Trevor Bowes: I would say that your skill in growing plants matters far more than what you 'know'. Also know that the things that will make your job easiest is knowledge of hvac, power tools and other trade/chemistry jobs that allow you to troubleshoot problems. If you have growing plants down you need to now focus on hvac or pest control.
What general advice would you give to an Agronomy Specialist?
Matthew DeBacco: This can depend what area you are a part of but often it involves physical labor in some capacity, especially for those entering the field. There are certain routines, but it is important to keep your eyes open as there are always unexpected things that come up. You are taking care of something living so it is your responsibility to keep it alive.
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matthew DeBacco: We all need to eat so being a part of this process has and will continue to be important. In general, improving efficiencies and maximizing productivity are continual challenges that keep your interest.
What will help Agronomy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Matthew DeBacco: Most people like plant science because you get to work with plants who talk to you, but in different ways and allow you to be self-directed. The dislike is the long hours in the heat and humidity along with the unexpected disease that can wipe out all of your hard work in a short period of time. Key is to enjoy each day.
Mark Gagnon Ph.D.
Harbaugh Entrepreneur and Innovation Faculty Scholar, Associate Teaching Professor, Agribusiness Management, Agribusiness Management Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Co-Founder, Entrepreneurship & Innovation ProgramPark University
Agricultural Business And Management
What general advice would you give to an Agronomy Specialist?
Mark Gagnon Ph.D.: - utilizes global and local consumer trends to help make informed forecasts on consumer markets
- research market factors nationwide to help others understand the dynamic agricultural markets
- build relationships with members in the field and industry experts to continuously learn about the interconnectedness of the world's agricultural markets
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mark Gagnon Ph.D.: - the demand for food and agricultural products is consistently growing as our population grows and new technologies develop to utilize our natural resources
- expectation of population doubling and global wealth increase means greater demand for natural resources at all levels
- COVID shutdown revealed the sensitivity of the agricultural supply chain and highlighted the importance of a strong Agricultural Business Analyst in making sound decisions in an uncertain environment
- the increased interconnectedness of the global agricultural markets means greater opportunity and career potential across food, natural resources, and growing technologies
What will help Agronomy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Mark Gagnon Ph.D.: - it is a challenging environment due to the various unpredictable variables from weather to market fluctuations but it rewards due diligence, strong relationships, and hard work
- an Agricultural Business Analyst is given an opportunity to practice business principles in a unique market segment where there is a strong sense of community and desire to help young professionals grow into their career
What general advice would you give to an Agronomy Specialist?
Kevin Sargent Ph.D.: Teachability, innovation, understanding and interpreting data, agricultural communication, precision agriculture focusing on drones, machine learning, apps, and the ability to calibrate and understand computers and equipment.
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kevin Sargent Ph.D.: Know your experience, monetize it in an honest way, aim high when negotiating salary since there is no going back up when a lower salary is offered.
What will help Agronomy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Kevin Sargent Ph.D.: In agriculture, it is important to be honest about your skills and knowledge while also not selling yourself short. Students should have gained plenty of hands-on experience that counts as expertise.
What general advice would you give to an Agronomy Specialist?
José Quintero: Interdisciplinary approaches will become more and more important; we're already experiencing the need to integrate even more knowledge than what traditionally was thought of for agricultural economists and agribusiness professionals, not only in the next 3-5 years, but this is today's situation to address; now we are being inspired by disciplines such as computer science, psychology, and even photography, every day we are in greater need of integrating more knowledge into our field to better assess our goals. Thankfully we live in a world where talented people with different interests improve knowledge across everything that exists, taking advantage of that information is key to success; innovation is born when curiosity, creativity, and the desire for knowledge meet into projects; learning how to learn will no doubt be the best skill anybody can master.
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
José Quintero: Learning how to learn is one of the best skills you can master, don't stop the pursuit of knowledge. Knowledge can be your best friend, and its concept is much bigger than education, and of course much bigger than classrooms. As you transition into either more education or the workforce don't be shy and ask as many questions as you want/need, and make sure you have the priority of finding yourself (and be grateful to) good mentors. In the food system is important to always have a comprehensive look at the situations we face, try to always learn from other disciplines. When you study agricultural economics, agribusiness, or any related field you need to speak the language of agronomists, social scientists, among other interdisciplinary fields, so go out of your comfort zone and learn more; if you're for example very good with the financial analysis side of the job don't be shy and try to get closer to what soil scientists do and vice versa.
What will help Agronomy Specialists increase their earning potential?
José Quintero: I think you made a great choice if you major in agricultural economics or agribusiness, this is a great field and there's an increasing demand for talented people. Look at salary and earnings as a marathon, not a sprint; keep the incentive of improving your financial health as an important decision factor for your career, but also don't forget about the big picture; find yourself a meaningful purpose in your path and work hard to become good at it. Sure, learn the skills the market is demanding from you, be great at Excel, programming, data analysis, AI, and such, but focus on finding the purpose of the skills you acquire. You chose a good path going into an industry that will be needed forever, we will always need food, and our food needs are both increasing and constantly evolving, there will be jobs across all sectors of the supply chain and this will hold true for all the time we have left in this world; because of that, the sky is the limit regarding the opportunities you want to pursue for yourself. Consider all compensation components, including emotional compensation, it's important to feel content with your workplace and your role at the organization. I'm a big supporter of talking about money with your peers, have open conversations about how you all are being compensated, ask them about their salary offers, what benefits they receive, and don't be shy about sharing yours.
Frank Rossi Ph.D.
New York State Extension Turfgrass Specialist, Associate Professor of HorticultureCornell University
Applied Horticulture And Horticultural Business Services
What general advice would you give to an Agronomy Specialist?
Frank Rossi Ph.D.: Here at Cornell, we foster the idea that one's career journey commences during their academic experience and is further solidified through our internship requirement, which seamlessly integrates employment opportunities with academic learning. The best advice we can offer right now is to remain open to opportunities, cultivate data literacy, and be flexible regarding where you might apply your skills within the broad spectrum of disciplines involved in agriculture and food systems. We are witnessing emerging trends in production areas that are focused on addressing climate change, promoting soil health, and advancing digital agriculture. There is no doubt that the utilization of data will continue to significantly impact the entire food system, encompassing production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management. All these fields present excellent opportunities for new graduates in agriculture.
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Frank Rossi Ph.D.: Important trends will be increased use of data science and analytics, sustainability science that applies metrics to GHG emissions and other aspects of Life Cycle Analysis, soil health management and scaling up Agroecological principles into traditional ag. Skills will have to include strong global knowledge, resilience and risk management, and automation/robotics.
What will help Agronomy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Frank Rossi Ph.D.: I prefer not to focus solely on maximizing earnings right out of college, as I believe the first five years of one's career are a crucial learning period. Therefore, if possible, I encourage a more selective approach that prioritizes skill acquisition. However, for those whose primary focus is maximizing salary immediately, the highest salaries are typically found in the tech industry, corporate science, start-ups, as well as in agricultural business and finance sectors. Many of these firms seek recent graduates with a working knowledge of agriculture to inform chemical, biological, or mechanical technology, as well as to guide investments in agriculture.
What general advice would you give to an Agronomy Specialist?
Elvis Elli PhD: Have a clear understanding of what the expectations are from you and exceed those. Demonstrate you are adding value to your institution. Always try to enhance your skills and build networking.
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elvis Elli PhD: Problem-solving skills are among the most important, in my opinion. Agriculture is a complex sector and requires critical thinking and creativity for decision making. Providing leadership to manage projects and teams and enhancing the ability to make quick, assertive decisions is critical.
What will help Agronomy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Elvis Elli PhD: Work hard and try to add value to your company/institution. Build strong networks and interdisciplinary collaborations. Engage with local and international community of your expertise area and find what are the gaps that need to be addressed. Take advantage of the digital tools currently available.
Dr. Danielle Kaminski
Assistant ProfessorFort Hays State University
Agricultural Business And Management
What general advice would you give to an Agronomy Specialist?
Dr. Danielle Kaminski: To maximize your salary potential I would recommend an internship. Internships are good for many reasons including to be sure it’s a field you want to work in. Your degree program, like the one in agribusiness at Fort Hays State University, may not require an internship but this will help set you apart, help you practice applying course concepts in the real world, and expand your network. Also, know what skills you’ve developed from prior experiences, including college. The more your skills match the job ad the more of an asset you’ll be to the company. Finally, know your personal goals, including financial goals. Some agribusiness positions pay as competitively as other industries. Others may require more prioritization on preserving rural communities or you could be working part-time calculating books for a family member.
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Danielle Kaminski: We’ve already seen the start of this trend but more and more data is being collected and needs to be analyzed to improve decision-making. Being efficient in Excel, for example, and having a basic understanding of data analysis are important skills. The “soft-skill” of communication will also always be important. You’ll need to be able to interpret and translate results for clients, you’ll have to actively listen to customer needs and also to learn about their operations which may involve significant technology changes, types of capital investments, and so on.
What will help Agronomy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Danielle Kaminski: Anyone in agriculture needs to be adaptable. If you’re in production agriculture you adapt to the weather and other natural events. In agribusiness you need to adapt policies and recommendations based on the type of agribusiness, the business size, the goals of the operator, the manager’s level of risk aversion, etc. It’s important to remember that the skills you learned are tools but we should be cautious about applying too many cookie-cutter solutions. It’s also important to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Providing the wrong recommendation because you don’t understand a numeric output or are guessing at how to calculate it can be detrimental for a business. Even with a university degree, no one expects you to know everything. At the least, as was said, each business is different. For example, each ag lender may have slightly different loan requirements or cut-offs for what they mark as safe, risky, and too risky for lending.
What general advice would you give to an Agronomy Specialist?
Dennis Fennewald: There is a shortage of agriculture professionals in the entire supply chain, especially at the farm level. Less than 2% of the US population is directly involved in production agriculture. This has led to the need for more technology and people who understand and can operate that technology. Much of this is due to the success of the second and third agriculture revolutions, which greatly increased production per farmer and reduced the rural population. This is the most exciting time in agriculture. Agriculture is entering a fourth Agriculture Revolution, which is sometimes referred to as the Brown Revolution. It is focusing on the Soil Health Principles to correct some of the negative impacts of the Green Revolution. There is a lot of interest in the sustainability of agriculture and new information is being published almost daily on improving soil health. Crop producers are looking at reducing tillage, planting cover crops and more efficient use of pesticide, herbicide and fertilizer via precision agriculture. Cattle and sheep producers are looking at better grazing strategies (adaptive multi-paddock or AMP), producing more adapted animals for each region, sequestering carbon and increasing water infiltration. In addition, the internet has exposed farmers to other marketing strategies. Consumers can now buy food and have it shipped frozen to their door.
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dennis Fennewald: There are many careers in agriculture and the requirements vary from low-tech to high-tech. Some careers require a person to be very physically fit. The days can be long during parts of the year, especially when it is planting or harvesting season. Each day is different but all of the careers require the ability to be trained, a willingness to learn (life-long learners), and a desire to be a team player. Work ethic and grit is highly valued. One computer skill that would be very helpful is being able to use Excel.
What will help Agronomy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dennis Fennewald: The success of any business lies with the people. There are many wonderful people in agriculture dedicated to producing, processing and distributing safe, nutritious food to consumers not only in the US but around the world. Agriculture involves food, which is a perishable product. There are a lot of regulations in place to ensure that consumers can buy safe, nutritious food year-round.
Mark Manfredo Ph.D.
Professor - Morrison School of AgribusinessArizona State University
W. P. Carey School of Business
What type of skills will young Agronomy Specialists need?
Mark Manfredo Ph.D.: I continually hear from industry partners that they are looking for graduates with strong written and verbal communication skills, solid quantitative and critical thinking skills, the ability to work well with others and adapt, curiosity, and work ethic. Many of the firms I engage with work in the food and agribusiness industry are also looking for students with familiarity with and appreciation for the uniqueness and complexities of the food and agribusiness industry and a desire to work in the industry.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Agronomy Specialists to find work opportunities?
Mark Manfredo Ph.D.: I have not observed or heard of any geographical area that is at a particular advantage right now in terms of "a particularly good place in the United States for graduates to find work," at least in the area of food and agribusiness, in which I teach and conduct research. It just depends on where a company and its facilities are located and where their given needs are. I do think recent graduates should be flexible, in terms of location, as that opens up more doors.
How do you envision technology impacting Agronomy Specialists in the next 5 years?
Mark Manfredo Ph.D.: It will be huge. Some of the most critical topics in food and agribusiness today are big data collection and analysis, IoT, robotics, and automation. Rapid technology innovation and adoption is being seen at all levels of the food value chain - from farm to consumer. There are too many compelling examples to delineate here. Still, there is a considerable financial investment in these technologies occurring now, and I anticipate this to continue well into the future.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Agronomy Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Jules Bruck Ph.D.: In addition to the epidemic, 2020 highlighted inequality. A future landscape architecture trend will be building equitable green spaces - including parks and urban green spaces in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas that have long lacked green spaces. A strong focus on resilience is a trend I see in the future as we face unprecedented environmental, social, and economic challenges. How will communities activate vacancies to reenergize areas of their towns hit hardest with pandemic-forced closures? How will communities weather intensified storms and sea-level rise? Specific to the pandemic is rethinking where we practice landscape architecture. Individuals are successfully working at home, and studios may continue using shared working spaces for conference rooms and shared resources, eliminating the need to bring everyone back to the office.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Agronomy Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Jules Bruck Ph.D.: Using technology to communicate with clients and community members will be even more essential in the area in the next 3-5 years. Finding equitable ways for all citizens voices to be heard may require more effectively using social media or citizen science projects to allow fluid sharing of opinions and observations. Building Information Modeling (BIM) will be essential and prevalent in the coming years as firms overcome adoption obstacles, and landscape architecture programs bring it into their teaching portfolio.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Agronomy Specialists in the next 5 years?
Jules Bruck Ph.D.: There will be an increase in the market for graduates in landscape architecture in the next five years. LAs will be working to make cities more resilient to climate change impacts and make them more friendly to alternative transportation forms and more equitable by design. Coastal cities face challenges that require LAs to work closely with researchers and other fields to develop innovative solutions. Future infrastructure work at the scale much needed in the U.S. will require LAs on project teams to provide functional and ecologically sound designs. Our future is bright!
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Agronomy Specialists to find work opportunities?
Melissa Drummond: USDA's Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area includes four agencies - the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Risk Management Agency, and FPAC Business Center. These agencies offer programs that help farmers manage risk, get access to capital, recover from natural disasters, and conserve natural resources. FSA, NRCS, and RMA deliver those farm programs, often through one-on-one assistance with farmers. The Business Center supports the operations for those agencies.
We're looking for highly motivated individuals who are ready to serve our nation's farmers and ranchers. We have multiple job openings, so the skills will vary based on the position an individual is applying for. A few examples of the skills we're looking for include, individuals with an agricultural background, individuals who have finance, budget, business administration, human resources, economics, accounting, banking, and/or credit experience, experts in highly-technical or scientific fields such as biology, environmental science, physical and earth science, plant, animal, soil, and geospatial sciences, professionals involved in the many aspects of conservation on working lands, including efforts to improve soil health, water and air quality, and wildlife habitat, or those interested in research, technical writing, and management.
FPAC also offers different pathway opportunities for students and recent graduates to work in the agricultural, science, technology, math, environmental, and management fields through internships and fellowships. Please visit https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/careers/students-and-graduates/index.html to see the full list of programs available for students and recent graduates.
What type of skills will young Agronomy Specialists need?
Melissa Drummond: FPAC has work opportunities all around the country. Our agencies are headquartered in Washington, D.C., and we have nearly 23,000 employees across 3,100 offices nationwide. Many of these offices include our county service centers, where we provide one-on-one service to farmers. Other offices include our state and regional offices as well as our technical centers. To see all the opportunities we have available please visit: https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/careers/.
What experience really stands out on Agronomy Specialist resumes?
Amanda Crump Ph.D.: This is best asked of an employer. We aim to have our students complete an international internship or an internship with an international agricultural development group. If students do have some experience (even within a club), that shows that they have learned how to manage programs and be accountable to others. If students speak a few languages, this is a bonus. You might visit this link: Agriculture
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amanda Crump Ph.D.: I am a proponent of gap years. Working internationally requires students to think about their place in the world and the implications of working abroad on marginalized people. This requires humility and maturity. Sometimes, that comes with taking some time away from school. Sometimes, students get that in school. It's highly dependent on the student.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Agronomy Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Amanda Crump Ph.D.: This entirely depends on the sector. I can see the potential for off-grid innovations in several agricultural sectors, whether postharvest cooling, pest detection, better training modalities, and better ways to get nutritious foods. We need some creative graduates who can also understand that technologies aren't always built equitably. Those technologies can be adjusted and used by everyone, regardless of access to education, electricity, computers, etc.
What experience really stands out on Agronomy Specialist resumes?
Dr. Justin Gardner Ph.D.: Justin.Gardner@mtsu.edu not in UserInfo.
What Agronomy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Justin Gardner Ph.D.: Justin.Gardner@mtsu.edu not in UserInfo.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Agronomy Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Justin Gardner Ph.D.: Justin.Gardner@mtsu.edu not in UserInfo.
Brian Warnick Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Services, Professor of Agricultural EducationUtah State University
College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
What are the best companies to work for an Agronomy Specialist?
Brian Warnick Ph.D.: There are a wide variety of options for students completing degrees in agriculture and the related sciences. These options range from positions with sizeable agricultural production and processing corporations to small, local firms and opportunities in government agencies and entrepreneurial ventures. The variety of options allows students to select opportunities that best meet their career objectives.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Agronomy Specialists in the next 5 years?
Brian Warnick Ph.D.: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, "Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow as research into agricultural production methods and techniques continues." (Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-scientists.htm ). Even with the current pandemic situation, graduates in these fields have been able to secure job opportunities. An early survey of 2020 graduates from the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Utah State University indicates higher than 80% placement. Several graduates pursue continued education with combined job placement and continuing education rate of more than 92%.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Agronomy Specialists to find work opportunities?
Brian Warnick Ph.D.: Our graduates are placed in a wide variety of small firms, larger corporations, government agencies, and family farms and ranches. We encourage our students to engage in multiple internships and other experiential opportunities to determine which employment options best fit their interests, aptitudes, and educational backgrounds.
What type of skills will young Agronomy Specialists need?
David Buchanan Ph.D.: Graduates certainly need technical skills that are consistent with the needs of the career they plan to follow. However, softer skills are what employers continually ask about. Included would be the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to work in teams to achieve common goals, willingness to be a self-starter who follows recognized schedules and meets deadlines, and the ability to adapt to new situations and work environments.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Agronomy Specialists to find work opportunities?
David Buchanan Ph.D.: There are many good locations, and they vary among the different careers in agriculture, food systems, and natural resources. For example, many states have large production agriculture farms and ranches, and many careers need to be close by the location of the production. This is also true for the food processing industry, and for careers that pertain to enhancing our natural resources as well as companies that manage the business of these fields.
How do you envision technology impacting Agronomy Specialists in the next 5 years?
David Buchanan Ph.D.: Technology has already had a tremendous impact on agriculture, food systems, and natural resources, and I believe that this will grow rapidly in the future. "Big data" to help make the best decisions, smart equipment that performs tasks more efficiently, and the ability to target the use of fertilizer and other agricultural chemicals are only a few of the ways that technology is going to change the face of what we do.
Sara Lane
Director of Career ServicesNC State University
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Agronomy Specialists?
Sara Lane: I don't expect an enduring impact from the coronavirus on new graduates in agriculture. While an economic downturn could certainly have an effect on new graduates, the hiring market for entry-level talent in agriculture is somewhat insulated because of the need to replace a wave of retirees with new talent. While it might be more difficult for new graduates to find jobs in the short term, I expect hiring to return to normal levels quickly.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Agronomy Specialists to find work opportunities?
Sara Lane: The Midwest generally has the most agricultural jobs available to new graduates, thanks to the prevalence of agriculture in the region. In addition, depending on the new graduate's specific field, there may be other areas with lots of jobs available. For example, the Research Triangle in North Carolina is a hotspot for biotechnology jobs in agriculture.
How do you envision technology impacting Agronomy Specialists in the next 5 years?
Sara Lane: Many people aren't aware of the advanced technology being used and developed in the modern agricultural industry. New graduates should be adept at understanding and implementing new technologies, particularly in regard to the use of big data. In addition, they should have the skills to learn and utilize new technologies as they're created in the industry.