When you think about a career in agriculture, the image that often springs to mind is a tractor in a field, a farmer checking livestock, or someone working from dawn until dusk on a family farm. This was my perception when I was young.
But modern agriculture is a very different industry.
Behind every successful farm, estate and agricultural business is a huge network of professionals working across finance, technology, property, sales, engineering, environmental management and much more. In fact, some of the most interesting careers in agriculture involve very little time behind the wheel of a tractor.
Take rural surveying, for example. Rural surveyors work across everything from estate management and valuations to rural property, planning, development and landlord and tenant matters. It is a career that combines property, commercial thinking and the rural environment.
Then there are land agents and rural property professionals, managing everything from large agricultural estates and farms to diversification projects, renewable energy schemes and rural developments. As land becomes increasingly valuable and its uses more complex, these roles are becoming ever more commercially important.
Agriculture is also becoming increasingly technology-driven. From precision farming and GPS technology to agricultural software, drones, robotics and data analytics, the industry needs people who understand technology and can help farmers use it to become more productive and efficient.
There are also significant opportunities in environmental and sustainability roles. Carbon, biodiversity, natural capital, conservation and environmental schemes are now firmly part of the agricultural landscape, creating careers for ecologists, environmental consultants, project managers and specialists in natural capital.
And what about the commercial side?
Agricultural businesses need accountants, finance managers, HR professionals, marketing specialists, salespeople, procurement experts and business development professionals just like any other industry. The difference is that their customers, products and challenges are rooted in the rural economy.
There are careers in renewable energy, food production, agricultural machinery, animal health, logistics, construction, insurance, banking and professional services too, all supporting the sector in different ways.
The reality is that agriculture isn't just an industry. It's an ecosystem of businesses and professions.
So, if you've ever thought "I'd love to work in agriculture, but I'm not a farmer," don't rule it out.
You might be surprised by just how many doors there are, and our Agriculture team here at MorePeople are here to open those doors as a one-stop shop for our candidates and clients. Every day we are building our network, gaining insight and connecting the perfect candidates with their dream roles.
