Farming is one of the most critical (and rapidly-changing) industries out there. This massive sector is ripe for young, ambitious talent to join. The hurdles are no joke. Climate change is having an impact on everything from crops, to animals, and wine production. But there are also opportunities for disruption among those who are dedicated to feeding the world.
Cornell
There are many programs within Cornell’s renowned College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for students interested in pursuing a career in farming. From majors in Agricultural Sciences, Animal Sciences, and Plant Sciences, to minors in Crop Management, Plant Breeding, Soil Sciences, Horticulture, and Sustainable Agriculture, there is really something for everyone. The breadth of study at this Ivy League institution is what makes it #1 on our list.
The university’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences also offers a Small Farms program that provides research to small farms and opportunities for the Cornell community to connect with farms in New York.
Texas A&M
Texas A&M’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences is top-notch. It offers myriad majors for those interested in farming, from Agribusiness and Animal Science to Horticulture. They even have an Agriculture Communications and Journalism minor, a Poultry Science minor, and certificates in Meat Science and Equine Science. A&M also offers resources to beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as an operational farm in the Texas Blackland Prairie.
University of Georgia
UGA’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences is home to many farming-related majors. They offer Agribusiness, Agriculture and Applied Economics, Animal Health, Animal Science, Dairy Science, Horticulture, Poultry Science, and more. UGA also has a student community farm complete with a medicinal herb garden and ongoing projects and research by students.
University of Florida
UF’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences has a lot to offer students interested in Agriculture and Farming. Majors include Animal Sciences, Botany, Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Horticulture Science and Soil and Water Sciences. But they also offer certificates in a number of various useful areas, including Animal Genetics. UF also has a Small Farms program with resources for beginning farmers and ranchers.
UC Davis
UC Davis’ Agricultural Sustainability Institute runs a student farm that’s integrated into coursework including Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Crop Production. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has various departments useful for future farmers, including Animal Science, Agricultural and Resource Economics, and Land Air and Water Resources.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Agricultural Life Sciences has a large Food & Agricultural program. Majors include Agricultural Business Management, Animal Sciences, Dairy Science, Food Science, Soil Science, and more. They also partner with farmers in the state to offer research and resources. There are few better places than America’s dairy capital to study farming.
Ohio State
Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences has a number of different departments. The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering is a robust program for those interested in the engineering end of farming. The program places a strong emphasis on research, with topics including Plant and Animal Production Engineering.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences has a wide range of majors, with a particular focus on the business of Agriculture. Programs include Agribusiness Markets and Management, Agricultural Accounting, Agricultural and Consumer Economics, Agricultural Communications, Finance in Agribusiness, and more. But they also offer paths for those interested in more traditional farming, like Animal Sciences and Crop Sciences. This is a good program for those who know what niche they want to pursue within farming.
Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State’s Ferguson College of Agriculture has a very wide array of majors and minors. Some include Agronomic Business, Animal Science, Landscape Management, Livestock Merchandising, Meat Science, Plant and Soil Sciences, Crop Production and Management, Production Animal Science, Ranch Operations, Farm and Ranch Management, Soil and Water Resources, and many more. They also have options for those interested in Business, Law, and Education related to Farming and Agriculture.
Michigan State
Michigan State’s South Campus Animal Farms is home to seven farms that include centers for dairy and beef cattle, beef cow-calf, swine, sheep, poultry, and horses. The College of Agriculture & Natural Resources has majors for future farmers, including Agribusiness Management, Crop and Soil Sciences and Animal Science. There is also a large offering of minors, from Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems to Horticulture.
If you’re interested in pursuing farming, it’s a good idea to make sure your classes and extracurriculars throughout high school position you as someone who is an expert in this particular academic field. Do further research on these top programs and decide which one might be right for you. Then, work to position yourself as an ideal candidate based on your area of expertise.
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