Help Students Discover Ag Careers!

What do you think of when someone says "career in agriculture"? Farmer and rancher might pop up right away, but what about Florist? Welder? Accountant? Flavor technician? Beekeeper?

Here is one example of a career in ag that might surprise you!

Kathy Holm‘s path into agriculture was not typical! Kathy spent time in India planting trees on forest projects. She enjoyed being in the forest and learning about how to keep trees healthy. This type of work is called sustainability and ag forestry. Kathy has had many jobs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). She is now the Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations in Virginia.

The USDA-NRCS is a part of the government that helps people protect their natural resources. Kathy and her staff at USDA-NRCS love to work with people who care about clean air, clean water, healthy soils, animals, agriculture, and community. “The people I work with go above and beyond to help the community,” says Kathy. “We are working to make the world a better place, protect our natural resources, and grow healthy food.”

If you want to read more interviews and have students explore unique ag careers, check out our Career Ag Mag for grades 3-5. This nonfiction text newspaper style reader comes in a pack of 30 copies for $5.

We have several other awesome ways for you to discover ag careers! 

First is our free educational guide for grades 6-8: When I Grow Up...Discover Ag Careers!

Want to get your students engaged in more career fun? Try our Name that Ag Career Game! Students try to guess the ag career using limited vocabulary. These cards are available to purchase for $12 per set. 

Also, we offer an accompanying set of 9 colorful Ag Career Posters to decorate a classroom! Posters are $8.

For students in 3rd to 5th grade, check out the Career Ag Mag! It explores the 9 Agricultural Career Pathways for students to discover careers they are interested in. Buy it here!

For more free fun you can have your 3rd to 5th grade students play the updated game "My Little Ag Me" on My American Farm. 

Try the accompanying free lesson plan "Agriculture Career Race"

Or if you only have time for a quick activity- " Ag Job Match and Evaluation" 

Don't Forget! If you enjoy these resources, be sure to check out AgExplorer.com