The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, Dec. 6 indicates no real change. Our extreme drought conditions continue. The six to ten-day outlook (Dec. 14 to 18) indicates a 60 to 70% chance of below normal temperatures and normal to up to a 40% chance of above normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Dec. 16 to 22) indicates a continued 60 to 70% of below normal temperatures and 40 to 50% chance of above normal precipitation. There likely won’t be enough precipitation to improve drought conditions. The cooler temperatures should at least keep conditions from worsening.
Last week’s column discussed the critical shortage of individuals to work in all sector of the ag industry. And, how the shortage is exacerbated in more rural areas like the western half of Kansas. Workers will have to come from people with no ag background. They will have to come from higher population and, more urban areas such as Wichita and Kansas City. There is no one demographic that won’t be considered. Today, here’s what the industry wants and are you potentially a fit. This will be in very general terms due to the breadth of the types of jobs and we will focus on the immediate Barton County area. And this is across the industry and individual forms can certainly vary.
• The industry is looking for people across age groups from fresh out of high school or college to older individuals with experience and background with a demonstrated track record. The idea is that you are looking for a career and not just a “job” until something better comes along. Most of the industry is willing to train, reward, and work to keep good employees.
• Over the last 20 plus years, ag has become increasingly diverse. The percentage of women in all phases in agriculture is increasing rapidly. Minorities and individuals from foreign countries are an increasingly important source of employees.
• While employers would certainly prefer you have an ag background, what they need is individuals with a good “work ethic,” interpersonal skills, and the essentials skills to be a good employee with a desire and ability to learn. The learning may be on the job or a short-term certificate/two-year degree from an institution like Barton Community College. Some careers need a four-year degree so those graduating from high school might explore those options. Many employers allow you to explore careers as an intern or hire you and even help with you schooling while you work for them. Older individuals often have obtained useful skills, especially regarding what employees want in terms of work ethic.
• Depending on the position, having a Class A CDL already in hand is a major boost in obtaining a position. Some only require a Class B. As it’s more rigorous to obtain a CDL today, it is often worth a significantly higher starting salary to have a CDL in hand.
• It is useful to know something about the organization you are interviewing with. Take time when possible to explore websites, Facebook pages, and even speak with someone you may know who is employed there.
The reality is with an aging workforce and lack of individuals raised with an ag background, a good career may be in your future.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
