Beyond the Tractor, Part Two: Unpicking Agriculture Careers
Last month I wrote about how too many young people still have a limited idea of the job roles within the agricultural industry, with many aspiring to be in the same or similar job types.
The response to that post was fantastic, and it made me want to dive deeper into some responses and research a step further.
Because the truth is, there has never been a more exciting or diverse time to work in agriculture. Technology, sustainability and global markets are creating jobs that simply didn’t exist a decade ago.
Here are just some of the emerging career paths in the UK’s agri-food sector right now.
1. Agronomists & Crop Advisors
Agronomists are the trusted advisers to farmers, helping them balance crop performance with environmental care. Modern agronomy goes far beyond fertiliser plans: it includes integrated pest management, soil health monitoring and using precision data to recommend the right action at the right time.
2. Field Trial & Research Managers
Before a new seed variety or crop protection product reaches the market, it must be rigorously tested. Field Trial Managers design and oversee those tests, collecting and analysing data, liaising with research teams and ensuring regulatory standards are met. It’s a perfect blend of science, outdoor work and project management. Great for someone who likes to get stuck in and experimental.
3. Plant & Seed Breeders
Plant breeding is no longer just traditional cross-pollination. Modern Seed Breeders use advanced genetics and molecular tools to develop varieties that withstand climate change, resist pests and improve nutrition. Their work shapes what we will all be eating ten years from now.
4. Data & AI Roles
Every sensor and drone flight produces gigabytes of information. Enter the Agri-Data Scientist or AI Engineer, using machine learning to predict harvest dates, optimise irrigation and model the effects of climate change. These roles are a fantastic opportunity for those tech enthusiasts who enjoy change and adapting to the future.
5. Soil & Carbon Specialists
Healthy soils are now a national priority. Soil Technicians, Carbon Farming Advisors and Regenerative Agriculture Officers measure soil biology, monitor carbon capture and help farms access new environmental funding.
6. Controlled Environment & Vertical Farming
Hydroponic and aeroponic systems are creating high-tech, year-round production. Vertical Farm Managers blend plant science, engineering and computer-controlled environments to grow food in warehouses and city centres!
7. Sustainability & Climate Risk Analysts
With retailers and investors demanding proof of low-carbon food, farms need experts who can measure footprints, navigate new regulations and design climate-resilient strategies. A perfect blend of utilising your research skills and implementing them in a commercial environment.
8. Farm Software
Digital farm-management platforms are now essential. From Farm Systems Specialists to IoT Engineers, these roles set up and maintain the tech that tracks everything from livestock movements to machinery maintenance.
9. Engineering & Robotics Roles
Automation is transforming food production. Agricultural Engineers, Robotics Technicians, and R&D Engineers design and maintain everything from autonomous tractors to robotic weeders and automated milking systems. These roles blend mechanical and electrical engineering with problem-solving in real-world conditions.
10. Sales & Commercial Specialists
Innovation only works if it reaches the farm gate. Agricultural Sales Managers, Technical Sales Representatives and AgriTech Business Development Managers bridge the gap between technology providers and farmers. They combine product knowledge with relationship building to help producers adopt the latest equipment, seed varieties or software.
11. Business, Marketing & Supply Chain
The agri-food story doesn’t stop at the farm gate. There’s huge demand for Agri-Finance Analysts, Export Trade Managers and sustainability-focused Marketing Managers who can build brands and reassure consumers. They need analytical and creative individuals to take their businesses and brand to the next level, and make them seen and heard.
12. Farm & Agribusiness Consultants
Consultants work with farms and rural businesses to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability. Whether it’s helping a family farm diversify, advising on government grant schemes or guiding a business through carbon reporting, this is a career at the heart of strategy and change.
What’s Driving These New Roles?
Technology: Affordable drones, satellites, robotics and sensors.
Climate and nature policy: carbon reduction, biodiversity and soil health targets.
Consumer demand: transparency, traceability and ethical food production.
Labour shortages: automation creates both a challenge and an opportunity.
Skills Young People Can Bring
You don’t need to grow up on a farm. Coding, engineering, data analysis, environmental science, marketing, business development and sales skills are all highly valuable. Curiosity and a willingness to learn are just as valuable as traditional agricultural know-how.
If we want to attract bright minds into these areas, we must tell this bigger story. Careers fairs, school visits and recruitment campaigns need to showcase not just the tractor seat but also the drone pilot, the data modeller, the engineer and the sales specialist. The future of farming depends on every skill set working together. So when you next talk to a young person about agriculture, paint the full picture because the sector’s future innovators might never set foot in a tractor cab, but they will certainly help feed the country.
I am always happy to talk about these opportunities and the roles we are recruiting for at MorePeople. Feel free to get in touch if you would like to explore them further.
