Ag graduates have strong career prospects, Purdue report shows

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Employment opportunities are strong for college graduates with degrees in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and the environment, according to a report out Purdue University.

A forecasted 104,766 job openings are expected annually, from 2025 to 2030, across four broad job clusters:

• Business and management (41%) — Includes finance, risk management, supply chain, e-commerce, consulting and data analytics roles across the food and agriculture value chain.

• Science and engineering (21%) — Encompasses agronomy, plant and animal sciences, biological and agricultural engineering, food science, automation, and water and soil systems.

• Food and biomaterials production (19%) — Covers production management, precision agriculture, biomaterials, bioenergy and environmental management.

• Education, communication and governmental services (19%) — Includes agricultural educators, communicators, policy specialists and data analysts serving in local, state and national organizations and government roles.

“Agriculture offers outstanding career opportunities for those committed to ensuring a safe, nutritious and affordable food supply,” said Bernie Engel, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture at Purdue.

“It’s a field where passion meets purpose, and the future looks exceptionally bright. As this report shows, today’s agricultural careers are powered by innovation — from data analytics and automation to sustainable engineering and precision technologies.”

Employers are looking for graduates who can integrate data, technology and leadership into decision-making, said Christine Wilson, senior associate dean and director of academic programs in Purdue’s College of Agriculture and lead author of the report.

“These trends reinforce the value of agricultural business, food and science education and degrees in preparing students for meaningful, high-impact careers,” Wilson said.

For more details and access to the full report, visit purdue.edu/usda/employment.