WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (RFD-TV) — A new report shows steady demand for college graduates entering the agriculture workforce, with strong job availability across multiple sectors tied to food, farming, and natural resources.
Dr. Christine Wilson with Purdue University’s College of Agriculture joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to break down the findings and discuss what employers are looking for as the industry continues to evolve. In her interview with RFD-TV News, she outlined how many job openings the latest survey suggests are available for recent ag graduates and highlighted the top sectors showing the most demand. She also explained how the numbers compare to previous years and what trends the college is seeing in long-term workforce needs.
Wilson detailed the specific skills employers are prioritizing — including communication, data literacy, hands-on experience, and adaptability — and emphasized how reports like this help showcase the broad opportunities available to the next generation of agriculture professionals.
She closed by sharing her biggest takeaway from the report: the agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.
Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
January 26, 2026 11:19 AM
·
Strong production and rising stocks may pressure ethanol margins unless demand or exports continue to improve.
January 26, 2026 10:00 AM
·
Without additional support, many soybean operations will continue to face financial stress as they prepare for the 2026 crop.
January 26, 2026 09:41 AM
·
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
January 23, 2026 04:40 PM
·
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
January 23, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the recent Fifth Circuit Court decision overturning a prior Tax Court decision on self-employment tax for limited partners, the ruling’s impact on farmers, and potential next steps in Congress.
January 23, 2026 02:00 PM
·
