Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Calling all green thumbs!

Agriculture is big business in NY State!

And while many jobs in the sector are on farms, many more take place in offices, schools and on the road. Let’s dig in!
cow

Job facts!

New York is a leading producer of dairy products in the United States, with over 4,000 dairy farms and more than 610,000 dairy cows. The state produces over 15 billion pounds of milk annually, making it the fourth-largest milk-producing state in the country.

What sort of jobs can I get?

Here are a few of the jobs available in the “Ag” industry.

Farmer / Rancher

Cultivating crops or raising livestock, managing land, ensuring animal welfare, and sustaining agricultural operations for production.
  • Education
    Combination of formal education, practical experience, ongoing learning, and a deep understanding of agricultural practices
  • Pay range
    $50,000 - $80,000 USD Entry Level

Veterinarian

Diagnosing and treating animal illnesses, performing surgeries, advising on care, and promoting animal health in veterinary practice.
  • Education
    Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Animal Science or Pre-Veterinary Studies, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program, Licensure
  • Pay range
    $60,000 - $80,000 USD Entry Level

Agribusiness Entrepreneur

Managing agribusiness operations, implementing strategies, promoting sustainability, and fostering economic success and growth in agriculture.
  • Education
    No specific requirements
  • Pay range
    Varies widely

Career spotlight!

Chris Gordon
Veterinarian
Elizabeth Truskowski
Conservation Tech/Wildlife Biologist
Jake LaDeux
Farm Laborer
Paul Snider
Forester
Jenny Spencer
Veterinary Technician
Julia Robbins
Agribusiness Entrepreneur
Ron Robbins
Farmer/Rancher
Scott Simmons
Agricultural Equipment Sales Representative
field icon

How much farmland???

About 7 million acres of New York's land area is farmland. (5,293,754.78 football fields!)

Ok, what about school?

Explore schools to help you cultivate a great career!

Take a look now

Can I get help paying for the classes I need?

You bet. SUNY (State University of New York) offers scholarships to help pay for school. Want to see if they’ve got one for you? 

Have a look!

What other options do I have?

Land Conservation Specialist

Preserving and managing natural spaces, implementing conservation strategies, and promoting sustainable land use for community benefit.
  • Education
    Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Conservation Science, Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Science or related field; coursework should include Biology, Ecology, Land Management, Soil Science, and relevant agricultural topics
  • Pay range
    $40,000 - $60,000 USD Entry Level

Veterinary Technician

Assisting veterinarians in performing medical tasks, managing animal care, and ensuring clinic/hospital operations in veterinary settings
  • Education
    High School Diploma or equivalent, Veterinary Technician Program by the American Veterinary Medical Assocation (AVMA)
  • Pay range
    $30,000 - $50,000 USD Entry Level
Girl studying with laptop in university class

Not sure if a career in Agriculture is right for you?

Take the career assessment quiz and see what you might be better suited for. 

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Grow your way to the top!

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