Farming, Fishing & Forestry Careers

Choosing a career can be a tough choice for many people. When someone thinks of what he or she wants to do for the rest of their life, he or she may feel pressure at to choosing the correct career path. Currently, people should seek career paths that will be stable in the future as job growth is a major concern of the present. Also, one should look at the many fields that are able to embrace change and progress with the passing years. One of the most popular current choices for a stable career path is that in the farming, fishery, and forestry fields. All of these fields are ever changing to meet the new demands and needs of the general population, and there are a number of schools that specialize in these particular fields. 

Farming
The farming industry has met and continues to meet the growing change required to stay competitive within the United States. One huge factor invoking change within the farming industry is the need to grow in a sustainable means. Growing in a way that does not damage the soil for future crops takes knowledge many farmers do not have, which is why there are a number of agricultural schools to infuse the knowledge into those who plan on making farming and agriculture part of their livelihood. A good way to look for farming schools are to find those that contain agriculture in their names, such as North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College. Schools such as these provide potential farmers with the ability to meet the needs of sustainable agriculture, changes in equipment and machinery, and to stay current on best practices to promote wellness and ward off disease.

Fisheries
There are a number of great opportunities within the fisheries industries as well. Although commercial fishing itself may be on the decline in certain areas of the country, fisheries management is a very popular avenue of the present as many people demand that governments get state fisheries under control to establish a set price for seafood. Fisheries management can be a two, four, or even mastery level degree for those looking to become heads of fisheries and wildlife departments in their chosen state. By understanding what it takes to maintain a proper federal and state fishing industry, one helps create a future for later generations.

Forestry
One of the major concerns of the present is the sustainment of forests on a state, national, and global level. Forestry management is an ongoing hot topic and will continue to be in the headlines for years to come. There are a number of degrees to pursue in the forestry management field, and like fishery management, those degrees come in two year, four year, and even doctorate level courses. Forestry management consists of learning the science behind creating forests that can be harvested while other younger forests are still being cultivated. Wood will always be in high demand for a number of industries, which is why all levels of government must ensure that there are forests that are mature and those that are growing.

In order to qualify for most Farming, Fishing, & Forestry positions, you typically need to have a Associate's Degree or higher.

Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics

The growth outlook for Farming, Fishing, & Forestry careers is estimated at about 1% while the estimated growth for all career fields over that same span is at about 10.12%. Over the next six years, Farming, Fishing, & Forestry jobs are expected to grow at a 912% lower rate than the national average for annual salaries.