The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, July 7 indicates improvement with 60% of the state totally out of drought/dry conditions. The driest part of the state is still the southwest. Most of Barton County, except the northwest corner, is in moderate drought as is Rice County. The southern half Stafford County is out of dry conditions while north of U.S. 50 is abnormally dry. This is in spite of some decent rains, but it takes a lot to totally undo the severe drought we were in. The biggest benefits were to our summer crops, especially corn that was/is tasseling and silking, soybeans, alfalfa, and summer pastures. The six-to-10 day forecast (July 14-18) indicates a 40 to 60% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 30 to 40% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight-to-14-day forecast (July 16-22) indicates a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and near normal for precipitation.
There is nothing new, not just in agriculture but many industries, about a shortage of trained, qualified employees and where the next generation for vital industries is coming from. We will focus on the challenges in agriculture. First is an aging population and lower birth rate. Second, in the past the next generation of workers for agriculture came from the farm or ranch and rural areas. There simply aren’t enough young people graduating. Third, agriculture, especially over the last 50 years or so, has relied on immigrant labor. People from all over the world have come to this country for ag. For various reasons this has dramatically slowed down. One last item, here we are not only speaking about farm labor out in the field but managers, researchers (look at the faculty and researchers at land grant universities), engineers, and so on. We simply lack enough people born here to fill the jobs, many have major misconceptions regarding agriculture, and the majority of the population haven’t been exposed to the possibilities for good careers in agriculture, even in an area like Barton County. So, what can be done.
We in agriculture have to become even more proactive in educating parents, students, and the population in general about what the opportunities are in farming/ranching along with all the careers that support the industry. Agriculture has to more aggressively be in our K-12 schools exposing not only students but administrations and guidance counselors about the career opportunities. And to reach out to older individuals looking for a better life and career opportunity.
Finally, the general population needs to understand that there are excellent careers in all phases of agriculture that pay well, have excellent benefits, are stable, and provide opportunities for advancement. Many don’t need four-year or advanced degrees but certificates and two-year degrees from community and technical colleges. And, the array of careers from crop and livestock production to business and technology are waiting to be filled.
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.
