Agriculture Business Careers

Seed Companies

Farmers purchase seed from trusted dealers. The dealers, in turn, are backed by seed developers with dependable products. Salesmen build relationships with farmers, but can only maintain them if their seed performs well in terms of germination and plant health. Accordingly, the companies must employ talented researchers and engineers to produce quality seed. Large Fortune 500 firms such as Monsanto Company employ a large array of scientists and full-time salesmen. Other seed providers, such as Great Lakes Hybrids, LLC, recruit farmers to sell on a part-time basis.

John Deere, Case IH and New Holland are all well-known in rural communities. Over the course of her productive career, a farmer will very likely develop a long and close relationship with the dealer that sold her the first tractor. Like the seed salesman, the machinery dealer bases his relationship with the farmer on a high-performing, quality product. A working knowledge of tractors and implements is mandatory, as is an official partnership with a manufacturer. Whether selling or servicing, dealership employees keep farms productive by keeping the engines running.

Farm appraisers issue valuations on farm properties. This service can be performed on behalf of a bank, a taxing authority or a landowner. Unlike a residential or commercial property appraiser, the farm appraiser looks at outbuildings, machinery, inventory and cash flow. Water and soil quality also factor into his calculations. This type of appraiser must meet all the criteria for licensing set by his state, as well as the requirements for accreditation set forth by the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.

If marketing or communications are your strengths, consider working for one of many organizations that promote commodities. These are voluntary associations of farmers who use their aggregate financial contributions to market their commodities to the public and defend against regulatory encroachment. One such group is the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. With offices in Denver, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., the NCBA is famous for its long-running television campaign: "Beef -- It's What's For Dinner." Specialists in advertising and public relations are frequently hired by commodity groups for such initiatives.