There’s so much more to this field than just farming. Learn the facts about Arkansas agriculture­ and explore some ag jobs.

► There are about 21.6 million U.S. jobs tied to the agricultural industry— about 11% of all jobs. Food manufacturing accounts for about 14% of all U.S. manufacturing jobs.

► Agriculture is Arkansas’ largest industry, generating about $16 billion for the state’s economy each year.

► Arkansas is home to Tyson Foods, the largest poultry and meat processor in the U.S. Based in Springdale, Tyson is the third largest employer in Arkansas.

Meet The Pro

Jacob Herrin
Agriculture Technician

More Careers in Agriculture

Agriculture Inspectors

Agriculture inspectors are in control of making sure that farms, processing facilities, and fish and logging operations are in compliance with regulations and laws.

Education needed: To be an agriculture inspector in Arkansas you need to have a high school diploma or a GED, but many positions require an associate degree in biology, animal science or agriculture science.

Agriculture & Farm Business Managers

Agriculture and farm business managers analyze, report and give advice for a farm’s financial well-being. Farm managers conduct record-keeping and oversee management accounts, as well as taking care of budgeting and accounting tasks.

Education needed: As the agriculture and farming business has grown, the need for post-secondary education has increased. Most positions available require an associate or bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, animal science, or dairy science.

Soil & Plant Scientists

Soil and plant scientists conduct research in breeding, physiology, production yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants, shrubs, trees and seeds.

Education needed: Most jobs for soil and plant scientists require an associate or bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture science or plant science.

Pesticide Handler

Workers maintain and operate pesticide equipment that is used to fertilize crops.

Education needed: You need to have a high school diploma or a GED, and this career requires certification and licensing from the Arkansas Agriculture Department.

Agri Tech Webinars Coming Up Soon

Greenway Equipment Inc. is hosting a Virtual AG Tech Recruiting Seminar on Oct. 22, 2020 and Feb. 11, 2021. If you're considering in a career in agriculture, mark your calendars.

#1
Arkansas ranks first in the nation for rice production. The state produces half of the rice industry for the U.S. Riceland Foods is headquartered in Arkansas and is the largest rice exporter in the U.S.

#3
Arkansas ranks third in cotton production in the U.S.

97%
of Arkansas farms are family-owned.

► Arkansas dairy farms produce more than 17 million gallons of milk per year.

► The largest fruit crop in Arkansas is peaches—an average of 10 million pounds are produced annually.

► Around 11,000 acres are devoted to catfish production in Arkansas.

Sources: Arkansas Business Book of Lists 2020, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arkansas Farm Bureau

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