Ever stop to think about how much we rely on agriculture every single day? The food on your plate, the clothes you wear and even the fuel in your car are all tied back to agriculture. Yet, many students go through school without ever learning how food is grown, how technology is revolutionizing farming or how they could be part of the future of sustainability.

At the same time, the demand for agricultural professionals is growing faster than the number of qualified graduates. Over 50,000 agriculture jobs are available each year, yet there aren’t enough qualified graduates to fill them.

And that number includes more than just farmers. The industry also needs scientists, engineers, business leaders and tech innovators. That’s where agriculture education comes in.

What is Agriculture Education?

Agriculture education is about understanding the systems that keep our world running. These programs blend science, business and hands-on learning to give students real-world experiences in everything from growing crops to managing resources and even exploring ag-related careers in tech and engineering.

Even if students don’t plan to work in agriculture, they develop skills that prepare them for success in any field. Agriculture education connects students to the world around them and helps them think critically about the future.

So why must every school offer agriculture education? Let’s break it down.

1. It Teaches Technical and Soft Skills

Think about the classes that left the biggest impact on you. Chances are, they were the ones where you got to do something hands-on. Like many career and technical education (CTE) pathways, that’s what agriculture education is all about.

Students don’t just learn about food production – they grow it. They don’t just read about sustainability – they practice it. These programs introduce everything from animal care and greenhouse management to mechanics and food science, giving students skills they can use for life.

But it’s not just about technical skills. Students also learn problem-solving, teamwork and leadership. And guess what? Employers love those skills. In fact, 85% of job success comes from having well-developed soft skills while only 15% comes from hard skills.

“Most employers say they can train someone in the technical aspects of a job, but it’s much harder to train a person if they lack soft skills like communication and teamwork,” said Adam Wehling, an agricultural education expert at a Wisconsin-based technical college.

2. It Helps Students Explore Agriculture Career Paths

Agriculture offers a wide range of well-paying, in-demand careers, from food science and agribusiness to environmental conservation and precision farming.

The challenge? Many students have no idea how many career opportunities exist.

“They don’t know what they don’t know,” said Wehling. “A lot of these programs don’t exist in high schools, so technical colleges like ours need to give students exposure to help them connect the dots between their interests and career paths.”

Many high schools and technical colleges now partner to provide dual-credit courses, apprenticeships and certifications, helping students find their passions and get ahead. Because of this, these students are workforce-ready by the time they walk across the graduation stage.

3. It Makes Sustainability Real and Strengthens Local Communities

Everyone talks about sustainability, but what does it actually mean? Agriculture education takes it from a buzzword into something tangible.

Instead of just reading about sustainability, students get their hands dirty (literally). Some schools have hydroponics labs where students grow fresh produce for their cafeterias. Others run farm-to-school programs that show how food goes from seed to plate. Some even donate what they grow to local food banks, giving students a real sense of how agriculture impacts their communities.

“Agriculture education helps students see how everything is connected – technology, science and sustainability all come together in this field,” said Wehling. When students grow food for their school lunches or help provide fresh produce to families in need, it helps them see the bigger picture and the impact agriculture makes in their local community.

4. It Makes Students Informed Decision-Makers

Think about something as simple as fertilizing a lawn. At first, it might seem like no big deal as it’s just part of regular yard upkeep. But if you overdo it or apply fertilizer at the wrong time, those chemicals can wash into nearby streams or rivers, harming wildlife and possibly even making local water unsafe to drink. Suddenly, an innocent backyard chore can trigger a costly chain reaction for the whole community.

And that’s why agriculture education is so important. When students learn where their food comes from and how natural systems work, it helps them better understand how their actions shape the environment, economy and local communities. As a result, they’re more likely to make smarter and more thoughtful decisions.

5. It Opens Doors To Funding

Agriculture education isn’t just good for students; it also makes financial sense for schools. With the right funding opportunities, schools can offset costs associated with CTE programs.

“There’s funding available that many schools are taking advantage of,” said Wehling. “Wisconsin’s Act 59 allows schools to get reimbursed up to $1,000 per student when they earn an industry credential. So instead of just offering traditional courses, many schools are investing in youth apprenticeships, technical diplomas and associate degrees because they see the long-term benefits.”

Act 59 is just one of many state-level funding options available to support CTE programs. Schools can also explore federal grants like the Perkins V Act, which funds CTE initiatives nationwide. Visit grants.gov to discover more grant opportunities and learn more about the federal grant process.

With so many funding options out there, it’s easier than ever for schools to build strong agriculture programs that set students up for success.

Are You Ready To Invest in Agriculture Education?

The future of agriculture starts in the classroom. Whether it’s sustainability, food production or ag technology, giving students hands-on learning spaces helps them connect what they learn to the real world.

If your school is ready to provide a solid agriculture education for students, we can help! Reach out today and let us help you create learning environments that inspire the next generation of ag leaders.