However, careers in agriculture reach far beyond the farm gate.
Whether you're interested in animals, crops, business, marketing, food production or sustainability, there's bound to be a job for you in ag.
We chatted with Bachelor of Agriculture Course Coordinator, Dr Jamie Barwick, to unpack why you should consider a career in agriculture, some ag jobs you might not know about, and what you can do to land one.
What are the benefits of a career in agriculture?
With Australia's agricultural exports expected to grow significantly over the next decade, those looking for a job in ag are entering an industry rich with opportunity.
"The agricultural industry offers remarkable career diversity and stability that many sectors simply can't match," says Dr Barwick. "We're seeing consistent demand for agricultural professionals across the board.
"The beauty of agriculture is that food production will always be essential, and as global populations grow, so does the need for skilled people who can innovate and adapt to meet these challenges."
Key roles you might not realise are in the agricultural industry
So, what jobs could someone who is studying ag or wanting to explore the industry consider? Here are ten careers that you might not have thought about.
Soil scientist – Studies the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil to understand how it functions as a natural resource. They analyse soil composition, structure and health to support agricultural productivity, environmental management and land use planning.
Meat scientist – Studies the science behind meat production, processing, quality and safety from farm to fork. They work to optimise every aspect of meat products, from animal welfare and carcass quality through to the final product on consumers' plates.
Agricultural economist – Applies economic principles to analyse and solve problems in agriculture, food systems and rural development. They study how agricultural markets function, evaluate policy impacts, and help farmers and agribusinesses make informed financial decisions.
Marketing specialist – Bridges the gap between producers and consumers, helping farmers and agribusinesses maximise profitability while meeting market demands through market research, brand development, digital marketing, price analysis and promotional campaigns.
Human resources manager – Oversees the unique challenges of the agricultural workforce, including recruitment and staffing, workforce planning, compliance management, training and development, work health and safety, and succession planning.
Environmental land manager – Oversees the sustainable use and conservation of agricultural land, balancing productive farming with environmental stewardship while ensuring agricultural properties maintain ecosystem health.
Agronomist – Applies scientific principles to optimise crop production, improve farming practices and solve agricultural challenges. They work directly with farmers to maximise yields, enhance crop quality and ensure sustainable land management.
Statistician – Collects, analyses and interprets numerical data related to agriculture, helping the industry make evidence-based decisions. They transform complex agricultural data into meaningful insights that guide policy, research and business strategies.
Extension officer – Acts as a bridge between agricultural research and farming practice. They work with farmers, businesses, land managers and rural communities to ensure best practices are being implemented
GIS analyst – Uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map, analyse and visualise spatial data for agricultural decision-making. They're crucial for turning spatial data into actionable insights that improve productivity, sustainability and profitability.
How does someone get one of these agricultural jobs?
UNE offers a range of degrees that qualify graduates to work in all these roles and more. These include:
Find out more about studying agriculture at UNE here.
