The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, Nov. 29 indicates worsening conditions. Our extreme drought will soon become exceptional drought as it is almost to Barton County. Exceptional drought has enveloped almost all of Southwest Kansas, parts of South Central and an increasing portion of Southeast Kansas. The six to ten-day outlook (Dec. 6 to 10) indicates a 33 to 40% chance of below normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Dec. 8 to 14) indicates normal temperatures and precipitation. As of now, there is nothing on the horizon to ease drought conditions.
Today’s topic may sound like a broken record but one that needs our attention – a severe shortage of employees in all aspects of agriculture. Last Sunday’s Tribune featured an article concerning the recent survey of employers in the industry and how critically short of employees they are. Naturally, many sectors of the economy are experiencing this dilemma but especially the ag sector. Why does this matter so much? Number one, we all like to eat. Number two, in terms of how many people directly and indirectly are employed through agriculture, it’s accounts for the largest sector of employment at about 17-20%. So, if the start of food production suffers a lack of help, many other areas are affected.
This past week, the Barton Ag Advisory Board met and on the major topics of discussion whether from the cattle sector, the crop sector, trucking, banking or even machinery, was a lack of a pool of applicants to hire from. Not necessarily a lack of qualified candidates, just of individuals period who the industries could train themselves in many instances. While they would prefer, and in some cases require, certain licenses and training, they are looking for individuals that are motivated, possess good essential skills and are willing to learn. This is quite a chance over the last 20 or so years when having an ag background or familiarity with ag was often a requisite to even obtain an interview. There simply aren’t enough people, younger or older, coming from farms and ranches for these positions. And ag is competing with many other industries, including Fortune 500 companies, for farm youth as they value the skills obtained on the farm.
The industry has tried to alleviate this problem in several ways. First, across most of the industry wages and benefit packages have improved. Second, they are trying to become more visible through social and conventional media and events demonstrating careers in agriculture. Not just in areas like Barton County but in larger metropolitan areas and at colleges and universities. They are trying to gain the attention of high school and college students many of whom have never thought about agriculture.
Next week’s column will discuss how to get into the industry and what it will require of you.
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.
