Just Wanting To Farm Doesn't Excuse You From A Bachelor's Degree
Start writing a post
Student Life

Just Wanting To Farm Doesn't Excuse You From A Bachelor's Degree

Education is more important than you think.

17
Just Wanting To Farm Doesn't Excuse You From A Bachelor's Degree
comerecommedned.com

There's a trend that I have noticed growing among rural high schools, specifically within their agriculture departments. Last week, I heard a high school counselor say "I have many students interested in agriculture, just not the type of agriculture that would go to college." This statement infuriated me, I won't lie. Especially as a high school guidance counselor, why would you tell a student that they should not go to college for the career they want to pursue? Now I know the train of thought she had. The students she was referencing wanted to just go back to the farm.

Any student wanting to go back to the farm should get at least a Bachelor's degree. My father runs a dairy farm, and he has a Master's degree. The knowledge he obtained from college allows him to run the business side of the farm rather than having to call an accountant to manage the finances. He understands animal science and the pharmaceuticals he uses to treat his animals. This allows him to save money on calling the vet every other day and allows for more effective treatment. His knowledge of crop and soil science also aids him when trying to work in the fields. His money did not go to waste in college; it saved him money in the long run. It is important that students know this path exists if they want to go back to the farm, and that it isn't always best to simply go with what you know.

There are all kinds of degrees you can earn if you just want to go back to the farm. You could major in crop and soil science, agribusiness economics, general agriculture, animal science, or agricultural systems and education. The options are endless, and they will better your knowledge of the agriculture industry. You can never know too much as a farmer. Farmers have to wear many hats, and you may as well be trained in as many trades as you can. Going to college can also help you find out what type of farmer you want to be. Your family may own a beef operation, and you assume that is what you will do. However, if you take a basic crop science class, you may change your mind and decide your passion is really there instead.

The amount of technology in farming is astounding. Drones are being utilized in fields, robotic milkers are entering milking stalls, and precision farming is on the rise. It is important that students understand all of these new-age technologies that can help raise their yields rather than just going back to the farm without any knowledge of what they can do with technology. Farming methods have changed dramatically in the past 15 years. Don't trust your grandpa to teach you all you need to know in this modern world.

You also may find yourself walking down a path you never thought you would. There's many students who go to college just to go back to the farm, and become really interested in something along the way. Whether its weed science or plant pathology, you may decide you want to do something completely different. That's ok. That's what college should help you do. No student knows they want to go to grad school and study the gut bacteria in pigs, but yet there are students making research projects out of that. Your educational career isn't a cookie cutter. You just have to give it the opportunity to flourish.

It is important that every ag teacher, school counselor, and high school administration help push students towards the direction of a bachelor's degree. We should never have the mindset that knowledge isn't needed, and that we should simply do the bare minimum.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57437
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37010
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958748
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

190873
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments