Workforce Supply and Demand and Competencies Expected of Agronomy, Crops and Soils Professionals for the 21st Century.

According to the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, during 2010–15, five percent more college graduates with expertise in agricultural and food systems, renewable energy, and the environment will be needed when compared to 2005-10. Workforce projections suggest a shortfall in the number of graduates in the Agronomy, Plant, and Soil Science disciplines.  The U.S. Department of Labor projects significant growth in selected food, renewable energy, and environment jobs during 2008–18.  For example, the need for Soil and Plant Scientists is expected to grow by 15.5%.  Priority demands are expected for Agricultural Sales and Services, Grain Merchandisers, Environmental Compliance Specialists, Land Use Planners, Natural Resource Conservationists, Precision Ag Specialists, and Plant Geneticists and Breeders.  In this presentation, Food and Agricultural Education Information System (FAEIS) enrollment projections will be compared to these growing demands.  Business and industries will continue to expect students with excellent technical, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as an understanding of the humanities and the arts, ethical practices, and leadership and teamwork skills.  Business skills must be a part of our graduates’ education along with international and cultural understanding and a regard for personal and social responsibility.  Graduates must have computer and data management knowledge, be able to work across disciplines, and be problem solvers with a desire for continued learning.  Multiple internships and/or international experiences will be expected.  Expertise and specialization from the private sector will be increasingly needed as on campus resources and expertise become more limited due to funding and staffing cuts. More adjunct appointments within our faculty may become the norm.