Finding suitable job candidates in the agricultural industry can be challenging, especially with the rapid advancements and evolving needs in the field.
The skills required are diverse, ranging from technical expertise in precision agriculture to soft skills like teamwork.
The AgCareers.com Employee Skill Survey tackled this challenge head-on by providing insights into the skills employers are looking for and the skill gaps they face. AgCareers.com surveyed agricultural employers about work-ready skills and knowledge needed for new hires.
Gaps
One significant finding of the survey is the preparedness gap between recent graduate hires and experienced new hires. Employers noted that experienced hires tend to be more prepared with work-ready skills than new graduates. However, both groups have notable skill gaps, with Problem Solving & Decision-Making Skills being the critical area for improvement.
Needs
In terms of the most critical skills across all levels of employment, Problem Solving & Decision Making, Organization & Planning Skills, and Teamwork emerged as the top necessary skills. It’s important to note that these top three are all employability, or soft skills. Conversely, employers considered skills like Data Analysis, Information Processing, and Sales, Persuasion, & Influence as the least necessary, indicating a shift in the industry’s skills landscape.
Professional Development
Professional development is crucial for both employers and employees to stay competitive in the industry. Employers benefit from enhanced skills and innovation, while employees gain knowledge, satisfaction, and possible career growth.
Over 80% of the agricultural employers surveyed provide funding for individual employee professional development. General professional training or soft skills were the most desired opportunity. Employers noted that their current employees and new hires would benefit from verbal skills training, including communication with stakeholders, along with management training. These skills are essential for navigating the industry’s complexities and driving growth and innovation.
Knowledge Areas
The survey also explored specific knowledge areas crucial for agriculture and food sector employees. The survey asked employers if their employees needed knowledge in Agronomy & Precision Agriculture, Data Science and Digital Agriculture, Animal Science, Food Science, & Sustainability; the most notable knowledge requirements were in Agronomy & Precision Agriculture areas. The highest value topics in these fields were crop consulting and soil science.
The AgCareers.com Employee Skills Survey offers a comprehensive view of the skills landscape in the industry. By addressing the identified skill gaps and focusing on critical areas of knowledge and development, companies can better prepare their workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead, ultimately driving growth and innovation in the industry.
There is a Canadian and US version of the AgCareers.com Skills Survey Report; download your free copy of the full report here: https://www.agcareers.com/reports.cfm
BONNIE JOHNSON has more than twenty years of professional marketing experience, including nine years with AgCareers.com. As a marketing specialist, she supports the AgCareers.com team and brand through marketing and communications efforts. This includes internal and external communications, email marketing, company branding, market research, and data analysis. Please send questions and/or comments to bonnie.johnson@agcareers.com.
