The perception of agriculture as a labor-intensive, low-tech industry is rapidly changing, thanks to the infusion of technology and the efforts of educational organizations. Francois Korn, founder of SeedQuest and Seed Central, highlights the outdated image many young people have of agriculture. “Young people, when they think about agriculture, they think about manual labor, hard labor in the field, low technology,” Korn said. However, the reality is far more complex and technologically advanced.
The agricultural industry is vast, encompassing over 350 careers beyond traditional farming. Kristy Meyer, communications manager for the national FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America), emphasizes this diversity. “It’s not just production farming. It’s biotechnology, veterinary science, food science, agriculture communications, agriculture business,” Meyer said. The FFA, with its chapters in schools across the country, plays a crucial role in exposing students to these varied opportunities. Through educational resources, workshops, and real-world experiences, FFA aims to eliminate the stigma around agricultural jobs and showcase the industry’s breadth.
Tapanga Lewis, a 12th grader at Liberty High School in Brentwood, is part of both the FFA and 4-H programs. She raises farm animals as part of these programs, gaining hands-on experience and learning about agriculture through supervised agricultural experience projects. Despite her involvement, Lewis notes that many of her peers do not take agriculture seriously as a career. “At my school, I definitely think agriculture is a bit taken for granted, and I feel like a lot of teenagers aren’t interested in it,” Lewis said. This lack of interest is a concern, given the industry’s significance in daily life, from food and clothing to fuel.
Susan Ebeler, associate dean of Undergraduate Academic Programs for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis, discusses how technology is transforming agriculture. “Increasingly, we’re trying to balance aspects of agriculture with technology tools and using them in smart ways,” Ebeler said. The use of artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, and sensors is making agriculture more sustainable and less labor-intensive. These advancements are creating new job opportunities and making existing ones safer and more efficient.
The declining interest in agriculture-related jobs could have significant implications for society. Agriculture touches every aspect of daily life, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and the fuel in our cars. Organizations like Seed Central and FFA are working to change the narrative around agricultural jobs. Seed Central, for instance, partners with local companies to give college students a firsthand look at the industry. “We pick up students from campus and go visit companies in the region,” Korn said. These experiences help students understand the diverse opportunities available in agriculture.
UC Davis is also adapting its programs to attract younger students. Majors like Agricultural and Environmental Technology and Community and Regional Development focus on the intersection of agriculture, technology, and community planning. Ebeler notes that these programs aim to prepare students to tackle future challenges in food production and sustainability. “The really challenging questions about producing enough food for the world in the future are going to be around areas where this integration is going to be important for finding the solution,” Ebeler said.
As technology continues to evolve, so does the agricultural industry. The efforts of organizations like FFA and Seed Central, along with educational institutions, are crucial in shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. By exposing students to the diverse and technologically advanced aspects of agriculture, they hope to inspire a new wave of innovators who will feed, clothe, and fuel the world sustainably.
