Skill shortage alert in U.S. Agri-Food sector, study shows

Mar 28, 2024

By Farms.com

AgCareers.com's recent survey casts a spotlight on the skill gaps that challenge the U.S. agri-food industry's growth. The research underscores an urgent need for skills such as problem-solving, organization, and teamwork, pinpointing these as areas where current and aspiring employees fall short.

This gap is most pronounced among new graduates, with a mere 18% possessing the necessary work-ready skills upon entering the job market, a stark contrast to the 76% readiness rate of experienced professionals. This indicates a crucial area of focus for educational institutions and training programs aiming to prepare individuals for this dynamic sector.

The survey also dives into specific knowledge areas such as sustainability, data science, and food science, with agronomy and precision agriculture emerging as fields requiring immediate attention due to their significant knowledge gaps.

With these insights, AgCareers.com aims to foster a well-equipped workforce that can meet the evolving demands of the agriculture and food industries. The full survey report, available for free download, serves as a vital tool for educators, employers, and policy makers dedicated to closing these gaps and propelling the sector forward.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.