The Sky’s The Limit
Last night I attended the South Dakota State University Ag/Bio Career Fair. With over 90 companies represented, I was overwhelmed by the agri-business in one building. As I made the rounds, I saw representatives from processing plants, feedlots, pharmaceutical companies, and governmental agencies, feed companies and hog units. I realized the sky is certainly the limit in agricultural career opportunities.
I thought back to the days where I didn’t believe there were opportunities in agriculture for young people. When my roommates and I returned from the career fair, we gathered around the table for an always welcome steak supper and discussed the events of the fair. One of my roommates is an agronomy student, another is an ag education major and the third roomie is an animal science student. Obviously, we each have different areas of interest and different careers to explore.
As we excitedly exchanged notes last night, I realized that we all had something in common: not one of us was planning on going home to our farms. Well, at least, we didn’t accept it as a real career possibility anyway. Times are definitely tough right now in the cow/calf sector of our industry, but I’m positive things will start looking up. And, the current outlook is definitely the most difficult for young people trying to stay involved in livestock production. Now is the time to start thinking about how to incorporate your next generation into your family’s business plan. How will they slowly take over the business? Can you trade manual labor and daily chore help for the gradual earnings of land and livestock? These are definitely some issues and challenges to contemplate.
October 20th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
As I read your blog about career opportunities in agriculture, it brought me back to my college days thinking about the same things you and your roommates are currently wondering about. I was interested in agriculture and left college with two ag degrees (at the time I considered them something to fall back on if my plans didn’t work out). I have been trying to establish a beef herd ever since I finished college. It is very hard to just get into livestock production on your own. I had no family farm to come back to. I have been helped along the way by the ranchers I’ve worked for over the last twelve years.
Living in a rural setting you often fined your self surrounded by agriculture, and I’ve used my degrees to get part-time ag related jobs and start part-time livestock service businesses to help pay the bills. I’m able to run some cows, but I also work with our local vet, sell a feed supplement, and provide a custom hire artificial breeding service for other producers. I love what I’m doing, but I still find myself wondering if I’m going to be able to continue making a living at it. It’s a challenge I like because the farm is a great place to raise my kids and we love our little place in to world.
I guess my point is; consider yourself blessed to have an opportunity to go back to a family farm if something else doesn’t work out. It’s ok to pursue your other career interests first. There truly are many opportunities out there for you and your roommates. Don’t be afraid to grab one and try it for a while. Best wishes to you, and keep up the good work.
October 20th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Donnie,
Thanks for sharing your stories with everyone on the BEEF Daily Blog. It looks like you have been resourceful throughout your life, working to find opportunities to stay involved in the agricultural industry. Although you have a variety of jobs, I think they all sound fascinating! And, you are absolutely right…there is no better way to raise a family! I appreciate your kind words and advice. I hope you will continue to stop back as words of wisdom are always welcome! Take care!
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