United States’ companies need skilled and prepared employees to thrive, boost profits, and ultimately strengthen economic competitiveness. Today’s agricultural students are tomorrow’s producers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders. However, there is currently a strong demand but a limited supply of college graduates with expertise and interest in food and agriculture (details below).
Fortunately, land-grant universities (LGUs) equip students with essential critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills to launch and advance successful, productive careers in a wide range of agricultural-related professions. LGUs also offer educational opportunities to youth, high school students, families, farmers and ranchers to build their communities and businesses.
As technology continues to advance rapidly, well-educated graduates and community members are crucial as companies adapt to emerging challenges, foster innovation, and help fortify our nation’s economic competitiveness.
National Land-grant Impacts Database (NIDB) Examples
Virtual education programs reach clientele where they live
Since 2020, virtual education has increasingly helped land-grant university research and Extension programs be more available to clientele where they live. These virtual programs are user-friendly and can be tailored to an audience’s educational level. By creating a virtual series that is informative and interactive, land-grant universities can significantly enhance the reach and impact of research and Extension information.
Additional stories from: Michigan State University, Purdue University, University of Connecticut
Education opportunities elevate agriculture issues and importance
Reaching youth and students early increases awareness of the importance of agriculture and the critical issues impacting producers. Land-grant universities are creating solutions to address educational gaps, improve understanding critical issues like cyber-biosecurity and provide students with practical knowledge, skills and information for the future.
Additional stories from: New Mexico State University, North Carolina State University, University of Wyoming, Virginia Tech
Research and Extension strengthens markets through technology, education
Preserving and strengthening markets is essential to the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Through technology and educational programs provided by land-grant universities, small agricultural businesses can identify new trends, develop risk management strategies and adopt new methods to ensure their businesses thrive.
Additional stories from: The Pennsylvania State University, University of Delaware, University of Vermont
Using a floating classroom to inspire future stewards
University of Vermont Extension develops and shares science-based knowledge through a hands-on approach to learning. With the launch of the new hybrid-electric R/V Marcelle Melosira, this floating classroom provides microscopy stations for students to collect and identify plankton, sample sediment from the lake bottom, assess water samples for invasive species, and other onboard leaning activities.
Additional stories from: University of Vermont
Food industry worker training reduces foodborne illness and enhances workforce development
Foodborne illnesses are a common and costly, yet preventable, public health issue. Training workers in the food industry on food safety issues is critical to public health as well as workforce development. Land-grant universities across the country continue to find innovative and effective methods to train workers on foodborne illness, how to prevent it and how to train other employees about the latest food safety issues.
Additional stories from: Michigan State University, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Delaware, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Virginia Tech
Involving youth in agriculture
A growing need to produce a qualified workforce to solve issues in agriculture such as changing environmental conditions means involving more youths. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is establishing educational centers related to regenerative agriculture and aquaculture on campus and at the UAPB Farm in Lonoke, Arkansas. UAPB is collaborating with Arkansas Discovery Farms to create UAPB Discovery Farm Educational Centers, aiming to attract undergraduate students, children, and teenagers to agricultural careers.
Additional stories from: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Developing new farmers, new products and new markets to boost agriculture sector
Many communities are seeing a decline in the agricultural workforce as experienced farmers retire. This issue has been exacerbated by national declines in new and beginning farmers. Land-grant universities are working to recruit and train new farmers, address their challenges and find ways to help them to thrive, including new crops and new marketing opportunities. This work protects farmers’ bottom lines, helps strengthen economies and meet the growing demand for fresh, locally sourced foods.
Additional stories from: Texas A&M University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Nevada Reno, University of Vermont
Expanding educational access to contribute to Colorado's workforce
Colorado’s workforce landscape is evolving, and with it comes an increasing demand for accessible, high-quality educational programs that align with industry needs. Workforce development dollars play a critical role in reducing financial barriers for learners, enabling more individuals to pursue career-advancing opportunities.
Additional stories from: Colorado State University
Purdue University / USDA NIFA Employment Outlook Report
In the United States between 2020 and 2025, employment opportunities are expected to remain strong for new college graduates with interest and expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and the environment (FARNRE). Approximately 59,400 openings annually reflect a 2.6% growth in employment opportunities from the previous five years. Employer demand for college graduates with degrees and experience in FARNRE disciplines will exceed the number of available graduates.
Source: Report Summary, 2020–2025—USDA 2020–2025 Employment Opportunities
Businesses rely on a steady pipeline of skilled employees who are ready to tackle fast-evolving, complex challenges in an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting global markets. LGUs provide high-quality academic programs and hands-on learning opportunities that equip students and community members with critical skills, knowledge, and experience and build a strong workforce. Investing in today’s students fuels innovation and profits for decades to come.
SOCIAL MEDIA
SAMPLE POSTS
RESEARCH
With precision agriculture, AI, and other tech driving agricultural innovation, STEM graduates are in high demand. #LandGrantUniversities like @SCHOOL are working to strengthen interest in agriculture careers and build the workforce of qualified graduates: [Link to your relevant program or https://bit.ly/STEMAgEd]
EDUCATION
Investing in land-grant education = investing in America’s future. At @SCHOOL, today's students become tomorrow's innovators through hands-on learning experiences in undergraduate research, internships, and more: [Link to your relevant program or https://www.aplu.org/employability]
EXTENSION
With offices in all [number] [state] counties, @SCHOOL-EXTENSION offers research-based workshops, field days, and resources for [farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners]: [Link to your relevant program]
Looking for pre-made stories to feature? Check out:
- Land-grant Impacts
Scroll down to "View by Institution" and click your university's name. Only institutions who submitted impacts to the National Impacts Database in 2024 are listed. This page features research and Extension impacts. - Multistate Research Funds Impacts
Scroll down to "Filter by Institution" on the sidebar and click your university's name. This page features research impacts.
Feel free to reach out to us with specific posts that you would like @AgIsAmerica to share. Please email your request to Kim Scotto at [email protected] or use #AgIsAmerica.
HASHTAGS AND HANDLES
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HANDLES
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CALENDAR
MAY HOLIDAYS
MONTHS
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, #AAPIHeritageMonth
National Asparagus Month, #NationalAsparagusMonth
National Barbecue Month, #BBQMonth
National Egg Month, #NationalEggMonth
National Mental Health Awareness Month, #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth | Toolkit
National Salad Month, #NationalSaladMonth
National Strawberry Month, #NationalStrawberryMonth
National Wildfire Awareness Month, #WildfireAwarenessMonth, @NIFC_Fire
DAYS
May 4: Bird Day, #BirdDay
May 4: National Orange Juice Day, #NationalOrangeJuiceDay
May 6: National Beverage Day, #BeverageDay
May 6: National Teacher Appreciation Day, #NationalTeachersDay
May 8: Anniversary of Smith-Lever Act of 1914
May 10: National Shrimp Day, #NationalShrimpDay
May 11: Mother's Day, #MothersDay
May 16: National Barbecue Day, #NationalBBQDay
May 17: National Walnut Day, #NationalWalnutDay
May 20: World Bee Day, #WorldBeeDay
May 22: International Day for Biological Diversity, #BiodiversityDay, @UNBiodiversity
May 25: National Wine Day, #NationalWineDay
May 26: Memorial Day, #MemorialDay
May 27: National Grape Day, #NationalGrapeDay
May 28: National Hamburger Day, #NationalHamburgerDay
Source: May - National Day Calendar