Future Farmers Get Online Career Guidance

A national organization that works with the future farmers of America has teamed up with Discovery Education to launch a website to help students learn more about careers in agriculture.

The National FFA Organization and Discovery worked with AgCareers.com for development of AgExplorer. The student site profiles 235 careers in the ag segment, from jobs in agribusiness to work in power, structural and technical systems. Each profile includes a brief description, a list of responsibilities, suggested high school courses, education required, average salary and suggested professional organizations and associations.

For example, the average supply chain manager in ag earns $100,000 annually, requires a bachelor's degree in supply chain management or a related business subject, and possibly an MBA. The future job market outlook for that type of position is "excellent."

FFA membership also gains the user access to a "career finder," linked to AgCareers. Eventually, the site will also provide virtual field trips, which are intended to deliver insight into what it's like to work in particular jobs in the field.

The agriculture industry is showing respectable growth over the next five years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture last year estimated that the industry will have 60,000 job openings every year, and about a third of those that require "highly skilled graduates" could go unfilled. Job roles that show strong employment potential market in the sector include e-commerce managers and marketing agents, ecosystem managers, agricultural science and business educators, crop advisors and pest control specialists.

"We're excited to introduce this transformational resource that will allow students to explore the 235 unique careers in agriculture," said Joshua Bledsoe, chief operating officer of the National FFA, in a prepared statement. "FFA is uniquely positioned to provide the foundation of the talent pipeline for the agricultural industry. In addition to engaging our students and supporting our teachers, AgExplorer.com will help us tell our story and the story of agriculture to the world. Together, we can all strengthen the future of agriculture."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • split-screen digital illustration of two AI-influenced classrooms

    What AI Gets Right and How It Will Be Used in the Year Ahead

    AI has tremendous potential to do good in education while honoring and upholding the essential role of teachers. However, its success will depend on how we choose to use it.

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Announces Updates to Experience, DreamBox Math

    K-12 learning solution provider Discovery Education has announced enhancements to its Discovery Education Experience and DreamBox Math products, designed to create a more personalized, engaging learning experience for students.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • A geometric pattern of open Chromebook computers with bold outlines, subtle shading, and soft gradients, spaced evenly with vibrant green and blue accents on a neutral background.

    Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for the 'Great Chromebook Refresh'

    During the pandemic, the education community scrambled to provide students with laptops to promote online learning equity and mitigate learning loss. Today, those devices are approaching the end of their useful lives — and a "great Chromebook refresh" has been predicted as schools seek to replace them with newer models.