AMES, Iowa – People looking for work in agriculture-related fields shouldn’t have a problem finding a job, especially in hourly and production roles, according to a representative of AgCareers.com.

“Right now it’s a job seekers market,” explained Bonnie Johnson, marketing and communications manager for the online job board. “That’s definitely a change from a few years ago. The job seeker is leading that recruitment process.”

She said over the past year, total job postings have gone up nearly 30 percent on the site, which is specific to the agriculture and food industry.

Jobs most difficult for companies to fill include work at packing plants, and in food processing and meat processing, Johnson said. There is a need for farm workers, animal caretakers and custom applicators. Also needed are electricians, truck drivers, mechanics, and technicians for equipment or agricultural technology.

AgCareers.com conducts an annual survey of ag-related companies and organizations. In the most recent survey, companies said their biggest challenges were competing for talent and difficulties in recruiting.

“We hear it’s a struggle to find people,” she noted. “They’re seeing higher voluntary turnover rates. They’re competing with all employers (for workers), not just those in agriculture.”

Interest from agricultural companies in students attending Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences is on the rise, said Mike Gaul, director of career services for the college. Companies are looking for both full-time workers and those interested in internships, he said.

“The market (for job seekers) is crazy good,” Gaul stated. “If you’re graduating out of any college in production agriculture and can’t find employment, it’s probably due to a lack of effort. There are some really good jobs out there. It’s a really crazy, challenging market (for companies) right now.”

Demand for workers is very strong in such areas as agronomy, seed and ag chemical companies, ag finance (especially at community banks), ag teachers and veterinarians, he said. Also, anything on the food side, especially with meat. In addition, the ag communications market is strong.

Gaul said his message to students this fall will be to embrace the job market. “This is as good as it’s going to get as a buyer. I think employers will be going gang busters this fall on campus. It will probably be one of the most aggressive recruiting seasons you’ll ever see.”

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the employment situation in many industries, including agriculture, Gaul and Johnson pointed out.

Research has found that from January 2020 to January 2021, 1.2 million women left the workforce, Gaul said. The number is for the entire workforce, not just agriculture. Many women left to stay home to take care of their children, he said.

“Also, 4 million people were on the brink of retirement when COVID hit,” he stated. “They were on the cusp of retirement and the pandemic pushed them over. There was also personal reflection due to COVID and the pandemic. They realized there was more to life than just working.”

The pandemic shifted the way people work, Johnson said, causing companies to offer work from home or hybrid options if they’re able. “Working from home is not an option for everyone or every company, such as with jobs in animal care,” she said. “Being flexible is important for companies, especially as they’re trying to compete with other businesses and organizations.”

The AgCareers.com survey asked workers if they would choose flexible hours or working from home if they had a choice. “People said they would choose flexibility, which could mean four 10-hour days versus five eight-hour days, or it could include location,” Johnson noted. “Everybody wants the best of both worlds.”

Salaries offered by ag-related companies are increasing, Johnson and Gaul said. In its survey, AgCareers.com found that 62 percent of employers have budgeted for salary increases over the next 12 months. In last year’s survey, the number was 50 percent.

“The tight labor market has resulted in various compensation issues that companies must tackle head on,” Johnson said. “Companies are most concerned about the rising wage rates as well as being able to quickly adapt to changing market rates.”

Gaul said salaries were up 5.6 percent across the board for the college’s May graduates. Those on the technical side saw increases of 7-8 percent. Wages have also gone up for internships, he said.

Two things are driving what students are looking for when considering jobs, Gaul said. “One is geography. Getting kids to move away from home in ag is difficult. They also are looking at where can they be in two, five or 10 years. Who at that company is going to be there to help them. If you’re a big picture person, you’re looking at it not as a job but as a career.”

Some students are driven solely by money, he added.

The AgCareers.com survey asked employers what their recruitment focus was going to be during the coming year. “They’re going to work on retention and making it better for the people they’ve hired, and on improving the culture and working conditions,” Johnson said.

To keep workers motivated, they’re going to give bonuses and offer training and development opportunities, she said. “Professional development and training help in recruiting and to keep them. It feels like (the companies) are investing in them.”