For young women considering their career options, agriculture can offer opportunities to work outdoors, use technology, solve environmental challenges, manage businesses, work with animals or crops, or develop specialist scientific skills.
Here are 10 careers worth considering.
1. Farm Manager
Farm managers oversee the day-to-day operation of agricultural enterprises. Depending on the type of farm, this can involve managing crops, livestock, staff, equipment, budgets, production and resources.
Modern farm management also increasingly involves technology, data, sustainability and business planning. Useful skills include: farm management, agricultural science, budgeting, planning, communication and leadership.
2. Agricultural Consultant
Agricultural consultants provide specialist advice to farmers, landowners and agricultural businesses. They may work in areas such as soil management, crop production, livestock, sustainability, irrigation or farm business management.
This can be an excellent career for someone who enjoys problem-solving and working with different people and agricultural enterprises.
3. Agronomist
Agronomists specialise in crop production and soil management. They help growers make decisions about crops, soils, fertilisers, pests, irrigation and production practices.
Agronomy also has an increasingly important role in improving productivity while using resources more efficiently. Areas of specialisation can include: grains, legumes, root crops, oil crops and fibre crops.
4. AgTech Specialist
Technology is transforming agriculture. Artificial intelligence, satellite imaging, drones, sensors, automation and data analysis are increasingly being used to monitor crops, manage resources and improve farm efficiency.
AgTech careers suit people who enjoy technology but also want to work in an industry with a practical, real-world application. This is one of the areas where agriculture and technology are increasingly coming together.
5. Sustainable or Regenerative Agriculture Specialist
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to agricultural businesses and land managers.
Professionals working in sustainable or regenerative agriculture may focus on soil health, water conservation, biodiversity, resource efficiency, renewable energy or improving the resilience of farming systems. For people interested in environmental issues, this can provide a practical way to contribute to more sustainable food production.
6. Agricultural Marketing Specialist
Agriculture is also a business. Farmers, producers, food companies and agricultural suppliers all need people who understand marketing, communication and consumer behaviour.
Agricultural marketing specialists may work with agricultural products, businesses, services or supply chains.
This career can suit someone who enjoys business and communication but wants to work within the agricultural sector.
7. Livestock and Animal Production Specialist
Livestock agriculture offers career opportunities across cattle, sheep, dairy, poultry, pigs, goats and other production systems.
Roles can involve animal husbandry, nutrition, breeding, welfare, health, production management or farm operations. A strong understanding of animal behaviour, health and nutrition can be valuable across many agricultural environments.
8. Soil and Water Management Specialist
Healthy soil and efficient water use are fundamental to productive agriculture.
Specialists in this area may work with farmers and land managers to improve soil structure and fertility, manage irrigation, conserve water and develop more sustainable production systems.
With increasing pressure on agricultural resources, these skills are likely to remain important across many types of farming.
9. Agricultural Business Owner or Entrepreneur
Agriculture can provide opportunities to build your own business rather than work solely for an employer.
Entrepreneurial opportunities can include:
🥬 Agricultural consulting
🥬 Farm enterprises
🥬 Organic or alternative farming
🥬 Agritourism
🥬 Agricultural services
🥬 Produce marketing
🥬 Specialist food production
🥬 Agricultural technology
Business skills combined with agricultural knowledge can create opportunities to develop a niche enterprise or diversify an existing farm.
10. Agricultural Research, Education and Media
Agriculture needs people who can communicate knowledge as well as apply it.
Career opportunities can include agricultural research, education, technical writing, publishing, journalism, communications and training.
These roles can be particularly appealing to people who enjoy science, writing, teaching or communicating complex ideas in practical ways.