We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I get Started in an Agricultural Job?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,894
Share

Getting started in an agricultural job requires a high level of physical endurance and a strong work ethic. Most workers in this field begin by working as farm hands and moving their way up through either years of experience or college courses. The route you’ll need to take in order to land a job in this field will depend on the exact type of work you want to do.

If farming is an interest to you, then you may find beginning as a farm hand to be a good experience. You’ll learn the ropes on running and maintaining a farm, as well as gain inside experience in planting and harvesting crops. Handling heavy machinery and implementing them into your daily tasks will also be a part of your day.

Working your way up from a farm hand position can be difficult. You either need to find a farmer who will consider hiring a second in command, or develop the skills necessary for buying your own farm. This can be done by either purchasing an existing farm or buying land and starting from scratch.

To find work as a farm hand, visit local farms or orchards and ask about employment positions. These job may not pay much at first, while still requiring hard physical labor and long days. Be ready to endure this learning phase, and develop your plans for career advancement.

Other agricultural job options include researching new ways to grow crops. This field will often require a college degree, particularly one in agriculture or a science related field. It also demands an extensive knowledge on the growing process, how plants reproduce, and how hybrid crops can be made.

Marketing and advertising can also be an agricultural job. Although most marketing professionals do not necessarily specialize in one industry or another, there are those who find a very rewarding career by choosing a niche and sticking with it. College is not necessarily needed if you intend to become self-employed, but you will need an extensive knowledge of the marketing process and consumer behavior. You may also choose a specific segment of advertising or marketing, such as copy-writing or design.

Any agricultural job will require a love of growing things and a willingness to work hard. This industry has its fair share of ups and downs in terms of sales and profit potential. Many farmers in various parts of the world continue to struggle due to economic or environmental factors.

Be prepared for hard times if you intend to start your career as a grower or farmer. No matter how hard you work, sometimes mother nature does not cooperate. The success or failure of many seasons can depend on environmental factors. New technology in irrigation and frost protection can help, but do not alleviate all hardships if harsh conditions persist for too long. You should always save as much money and material as possible, and when able, plant more than you think you'll need.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-get-started-in-an-agricultural-job.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.