Agriculture encompasses multifaceted practices to provide food resources for every community.
From farming that includes cultivating soils in preparation of growing crops of all kinds to raising animals to provide food and other animal products, agricultural careers are a rewarding and important aspect all over the world. Agricultural careers not only include farmers of crops and livestock, but they incorporate business practices to ensure that food resources can meet the demand of consumers.
Agriculture comprises a large use of land globally; however, in the U.S. about 52% of land mass is centered around agriculture.
Pennsylvania is responsible for around a quarter of all agriculture fields within the U.S.
Pennsylvania is largely responsible for the national livestock production and a major producer of milk, fruits (apples, grapes), corn, and mushrooms. Farms are typically very specialized in the work they do. In Berks County, agriculture is the largest use of land of about 36%.
Pennsylvanian farmers dedicate themselves and take pride in providing the freshest products possible; however, agriculture does not just stop at the farms’ crop cultivation. Businesses that buy the products to sell, including grocery stores and food retailers, also play an important part of agriculture because they ensure the products are accessible to customers.
In addition to the farmers and businesspeople who ensure a direct pathway to the consumers, there are countless jobs within the agricultural field that may be of interest for future careers.
For example, there is a wide range of scientists and engineers who continuously develop new and innovative technology and techniques that allow for successful agriculture. This is especially important as our world continues to evolve and new challenges, ranging from pandemics to natural disasters, could threaten the food supply.
One example of how scientists work to improve food supply is through the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). GMOs are at the forefront to many scientists to be able to produce fruits, vegetables and even farm animals to be able to have peak efficiency and high quality in products. This can include bigger, juicier apples or even larger chicken breasts. GMOs are still relatively new genetic engineering strategies, therefore, there is a lot of opportunities within that field.
For anyone who may be interested in learning more about the many different job possibilities and opportunities in agriculture, there will be an Agricultural and Natural Resource Career Fair held on Nov. 10 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Berks County Agricultural Center in Bern Township. It is a free event and will feature over 30 exhibitors. Attendees can learn about local companies andinternship and volunteering opportunities.
Abigail Shoemaker is senior at Albright College studying environmental science and evolutionary sustainability.