America’s land‑grant universities fulfill a vital tripartite mission: to advance discovery through research, expand opportunity through education, and deliver solutions through Cooperative Extension. This mission remains critical to prepare the nation’s future workforce at a time when demand for skilled talent across agriculture, food, natural resources, and related industries significantly outpaces supply.
A recent analysis from Purdue University in partnership with the USDA confirms the scale of this workforce challenge. The study projects strong and sustained job demand across food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environmental fields and underscores the urgent need to increase education‑to‑career pipelines.
Purdue University & USDA/NIFA report: Employment Opportunities for College Graduates in Food, Agriculture, Renewable Natural Resources and the Environment, United States, 2025-2030
- Approximately 105,000 job openings each year are projected from 2025–2030 in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environmental fields.
- Employer demand continues to exceed the supply of trained graduates resulting in a persistent workforce gap.
- Job openings span sectors including business and management; science and engineering; food and biomaterials production; and education, communication, and governmental service.
“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.”
Source: Employment outlook remains strong for agriculture graduates
Land‑grant universities are uniquely positioned to meet this national imperative:
- Research exposes students to discovery and ensures they learn about cutting‑edge science, emerging technologies, and applied problem‑solving.
- Education equips students with technical, analytical, communication, and leadership skills for in‑demand careers through rigorous academics and experiential learning that align with workforce needs.
- Extension connects students in classrooms and laboratories to their communities to ensure that solutions result in real‑world applications and career opportunities.
By investing in land‑grant research, education, and Extension today, the nation will fortify the workforce and thereby strengthen economic resilience and competitiveness tomorrow.
LAND-GRANT IMPACTS EXAMPLES
Career Edge: Teens Taking Charge of Their Future! A Workforce Readiness
University of Nevada, Reno | The Career Edge Teens Taking Charge of Their Future Program equips Nevada’s youth with the essential soft skills demanded by employers, including critical thinking, decision-making and time management. The program engages youth in activities that help develop proficiency in leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making to help them thrive in the workplace. Primary Funding Source: 1890 Extension Capacity Funds
TRWA PathFinderU Workforce Development Initiative
Prairie View A&M University | The PathFinderU initiative, launched by Prairie View A&M University’s Extension Program through The Rural Workforce Academy (TRWA), effectively addressed critical workforce shortages in rural Texas by providing high-demand technical training and industry-recognized certifications to underserved populations. Beyond measurable outcomes, the program strengthened economic mobility, improved essential soft skills, and established best practices in workforce development, ultimately expanding career access and enhancing regional workforce readiness across rural communities. Primary Funding Source: 1890 Extension Capacity Funds
Regional talent pipeline initiative connects students to local careers in northern Michigan
Michigan State University | Michigan State University Extension, through support of Alliance for Economic Success, partnered with local schools and businesses to connect students with local employers through hands-on career exploration. By engaging 600 students and 50 businesses, the program increased awareness of regional career opportunities, strengthened school and business partnerships, and laid the groundwork for a more skilled and confident workforce in northern Michigan. Funding Sources: Smith-Lever (3b&c) Capacity Funds and State Appropriations
Ag Roundup Inspires the Next Generation of Agriculture and STEM Leaders
Kentucky State University | The Ag Roundup advances Kentucky State University’s land-grant mission by connecting youth, families, educators, and communities to agriculture and STEM education. By inspiring students, strengthening workforce pipelines, and honoring the legacy of 1890 institutions, the event supports long-term economic development, workforce sustainability, and community resilience across the Commonwealth—benefiting not only participants, but Kentucky’s agricultural future as a whole. Primary Funding Source: 1890 Extension Capacity Funds
Maryland’s Career AGsperience Program Encourages Youth to Explore Agricultural Careers
University of Maryland | The University of Maryland Extension (UME) AGsperience team is encouraging teens’ pursuit of post-secondary training and degrees connected to agriculture as well as to enhance their interest in and success at pursuing careers within agriculture fields. Funding Sources: USDA Competitive and State Appropriations
Growing Tomorrow’s Workforce Today: Central NY Teens Gain Job Skills and Experience at the NY State Fair Milk Bar
Cornell University | Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Cayuga provided 40 Central New York teens with paid workforce training by staffing the Milk Bar at the Great New York State Fair. Over 13 days, youth served more than 285,000 cups of milk while gaining skills in customer service, food safety, and agriculture. The program helped teens build confidence, explore career opportunities, and understand the role of agriculture in New York’s economy. Primary Funding Source: Smith-Lever (3b&c) Capacity Funds
Engaging Students in Precision Livestock
South Dakota State University | Society is becoming less connected to agriculture and the processes involved in producing our food. To address this gap, SDSU Extension hosted a Precision Livestock Technology Field Day engaging about 70 high school students—many from non-agricultural backgrounds—in modern livestock production. Students explored drones, virtual fencing, stream health, and beef product applications, building understanding of food systems, natural resource management, and diverse careers in agriculture, data science, and engineering while inspiring future agricultural professionals. Primary Funding Source: Smith-Lever (3b&c) Capacity Funds
WVU Extension Builds Youth Workforce Preparedness to Meet Critical Emergency Response Needs in West Virginia
West Virginia University | By preparing youth for careers in the fire service and emergency response, this program strengthens the future workforce and ensures West Virginia communities have access to skilled, committed responders. The long-term public value includes improved public safety, expanded career pathways for young people, and stronger community resilience across West Virginia. Primary Funding Source: Smith-Lever (3b&c) Capacity Funds
UAPB and UAF Partnership Produces Dual-Degree Graduate Through Innovative 3+1 Poultry Science Program
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and University of Arkansas | Through the 3+1 Poultry Science Program, UAPB and UAF jointly prepare students for leadership in animal and poultry industries. Graduates earn dual bachelor’s degrees, gain hands-on experience, and enter the workforce ready to meet growing demands in agricultural production and food safety.
Growing Georgia’s Next Generation of Agricultural Scientists
Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley State University cultivates skilled entomology and plant health professionals through undergraduate research, mentorship and experiential learning, improving pest management strategies and expanding the agricultural workforce.
TSUAg Students Build Career Pathways Through Farm Credit Mid-America Immersion Visit
Tennessee State University | Connecting students to industry leaders strengthens the agricultural workforce pipeline and helps ensure Tennessee and the region have professionals prepared to support producers, agribusinesses and rural communities. Through corporate immersion experiences and targeted scholarships, TSUAg and Farm Credit Mid-America are expanding access to career pathways in agriculture and natural resources while preparing students for long-term success in a vital sector.
America’s ability to compete, innovate, and thrive depends on the strength of its workforce. The land‑grant university mission—integrating research, education, and Extension—ensures that young people and college students gain exposure to emerging technologies, access high‑quality education and hands‑on learning, and opportunities to apply knowledge in real‑world settings. This prepares students for productive careers and ensures that employers nationwide can rely on a skilled, adaptable workforce.
Through their workforce development efforts, land‑grant universities support economic growth, strengthen communities, and help ensure the next generation is prepared to advance the nation’s long‑term economic competitiveness.
SOCIAL MEDIA
SAMPLE POSTS
America needs talent, and #LandGrantUniversities are delivering. With ~105,000 job openings each year in ag, food, and natural resources, @SCHOOL is preparing students with the skills to lead and innovate: [Link to your relevant program]
Investing in youth today strengthens tomorrow’s workforce. Through programs like [program name], @SCHOOL is inspiring the next generation to explore careers in agriculture, STEM, and beyond: [Link to your relevant program]
Learning goes beyond the classroom. @SCHOOL/EXTENSION connects youth and communities to real-world career pathways through programs like [program name], building skills for tomorrow’s workforce: [Insert link]
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]
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 2025 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 agcomms@aplu.org or use #AgIsAmerica.
HASHTAGS AND HANDLES
HASHTAGS
#LandGrantUniversities
#AgIsAmerica
HANDLES
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Ag is America |
@AgIsAmerica |
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APLU Ag |
@APLU_Ag |
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USDA |
@USDA |
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USDA National Institute of Food & Ag |
@USDA_NIFA |
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APLU |
@APLU_News |
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 10: 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 25: Memorial Day, #MemorialDay
May 27: National Grape Day, #NationalGrapeDay
May 28: National Hamburger Day, #NationalHamburgerDay
