Disparity between ag jobs and millennial interest

A recent report by Purdue University estimated that for graduates with a college degree or higher in the areas of food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, or the environment there would be an estimated 57,000 annual job openings from 2015-2020. With an average of 35,000 U.S. graduates entering agriculture-related careers, this still means more than 22,000 positions will be left unfilled annually, highlighting the growing disparity between the agriculture industry and millennials seeking jobs.

According to a survey conducted on behalf of Land O’ Lakes Inc., only 9 percent of millennials and 3 percent of college graduates would consider a career in agriculture.