Agriculture Careers: What You Should Know in 2024

Curious about life as an agronomist, what it’s like to launch an agribusiness or any other facet of the agricultural industry? This guide is your go-to source for information on the Australian agricultural industry. Learn all the steps you need to take to start your own agricultural career.

The agriculture industry is the backbone of Australian society, putting food on the table for the entire nation. Agriculture is also the livelihood of thousands of Australians, with almost 300,000 Australians working in farming, agriculture and related industries.

The industry is connected to many other segments of the economy, with successful agricultural production improving the economy as a whole (in fact, agriculture contributes to 3% of Australia’s GDP). On top of this, Australia is a significant world producer of many products like dairy, wool and beef, known for the incredible quality of our products.

A change is coming

At the same time, there is a growing need for sustainable agriculture and food production, and concerns are arising about Australia’s ability to thrive under the effects of droughts and competitive global agronomy. New approaches are needed to not only sustain Australia’s agricultural industry but preserve it for future generations.

So how can young people interested in agriculture ensure they keep up with all the changes and challenges and use their passion and skills to contribute to the nation’s economy and wellbeing?

First, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the sheer diversity of Australian agriculture. A career in agriculture can involve sustainable development of the land, natural resource management, improving the health and wellbeing of Australian citizens, boosting the Australian economy through exporting in-demand goods, and everything in between.

Life on a farm is varied and challenging, allowing you to relish your self-sufficiency. At the same time, working in agriculture doesn’t necessarily have to mean toughing it out on a farm. Someone interested in agriculture might find themselves working in government, logistics or science, to name just a few possible avenues. Whatever your chosen pathway, the career opportunities in agriculture are plentiful and equally rewarding.

The benefits of Australian agriculture

Australia’s access to stunning produce is part of what makes us the lucky country. We are also fortunate enough to receive guidance from the indigenous people of Australia, who have an ancient and proven approach to farming and harvesting. There are plenty of areas of specialisation, from tending to our land and ensuring future generations can enjoy its produce to innovating in new areas of agriculture like urban agriculture.

Of course, agricultural science is complex, and the range of careers varies greatly depending on what you choose to specialise in. From working on a dairy farm to working elsewhere in the farming supply chain, the possibilities in agriculture are endless! It can be tricky to wrap your head around the accreditations and qualifications you’ll need, especially since agricultural business has a global trade element to it as well.

If you’ve been considering a career in agriculture, you could be wondering where to even start with this enormously broad industry. You might have some questions on your mind before diving into the field, like: 

But don’t stress! There’ll be a career pathway to suit you in the diverse world of agriculture, from getting your hands dirty to work in a lab.

Ready to sink your teeth into all things agriculture?

The term “agriculture” refers to the practice and science of farming, including rearing animals, cultivating soil and growing crops in order to provide food, wool and other products. There are various streams of agriculture in Australia, including regenerative agriculture, sustainable agriculture, precision agriculture, industrial agriculture and animal agriculture.

Let’s dive into each one of these agricultural streams, and uncover which one speaks to you the most.

From the wide array of careers listed above, it’s clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all qualification for agriculture. It’ll all depend on the precise role you see yourself entering. As a guide, some courses for those interested in Australian agriculture include:

• Certificate II in Agriculture
• Dairy Cattle Farming Certificate
• Beef Cattle Farming Certificate
• Sheep and Cattle Farming Certificate
• Cattle Farming Certificate

So you’ve read up on agriculture, and now you’re itching to get your hands dirty. The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll be reaping the rewards of your hard work.

Discover the educational options on offer today!