Guest Blogger: Drew DeBerry, Deputy Agriculture Commissioner
On behalf of Commissioner Todd Staples this week, I am proud to be in Salt Lake City representing Texas at the annual National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) meeting.
Each year, NASDA brings together the heads of our nation’s agricultural agencies to present priorities important to their respective communities. Those priorities are then presented as action items with the intent of working collectively to bolster the nation’s agriculture industry.
This year, Commissioner Staples brought action items on the the following four initiatives to the table on behalf of Texas agriculture: jobs and the economy; hay assistance; endangered species reform; and border security. These four resolutions were unanimously supported today by members of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (SASDA), and will now be considered by various committees within NASDA and voted on by all states on Monday.
Texas is fighting through the one of the worst droughts on record with agricultural losses already reaching $5.2 billion. The extreme heat has also fueled wildfires that have scorched more than 3 million acres, exacerbating the need to expedite hay delivery to those in need, which is why I’m pleased to see Commissioner Staples’ hay assistance resolution moving forward.
Also of great concern to Texans is the increasing violence against our citizens and agricultural producers at the hands of Mexican drug cartels. At NASDA, we introduced a resolution focused on securing our border, ending illegal immigration and urging a reform of labor programs to provide a documented and reliable workforce.
Another initiative that won support aims to strengthen our economy through passage of pending free trade agreements and stabilization of the uncertain regulatory environment that stands in the way of job creation.
Finally, Texas remains committed to striking a balance between conservation and the rights of private property owners. SASDA members enthusiastically joined Texas in proposing a comprehensive overhaul to the sprawling Endangered Species Act - to bring sound science guidelines to the table.
Besides being a forum for the advancement of agriculture, NASDA also reminds me how blessed we all are to have leaders throughout our country working collaboratively to strengthen agriculture for the benefit of all Americans.
Showing posts with label Agriculture Jobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Agriculture Jobs. Show all posts
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Mike Rowe Paints a Real Picture of American Agriculture
Not too long ago, Mike Rowe, the Dirty Jobs guy on TV, spoke at the National FFA convention and opened a lot of eyes around the country. He used this opportunity to remind the world that, “Technical advances in modern agriculture now rival those in Silicon Valley, and today’s farms are more efficient than ever, but no one seems to have gotten the memo. No one seems to care.” I encourage you to read his entire opinion on this subject on his website.
This description of American agriculture is certainly not news to those of us engaged in or who work with others in the industry. But for the remaining 98 percent of Americans who are not involved in production agriculture, I’m certain Rowe’s statement probably leaves them scratching their heads.
This week, Rowe spoke at the American Farm Bureau annual convention in Georgia and gave a great recap of how federal agencies and private groups have piped up with the wrong impression after agricultural operations were shown on his show, Dirty Jobs. In this article from CattleNetwork.com, Rowe reminds us that those who make a living from the land are the best advocates for good policies.
As we move ahead, our challenge is to make sure the true voices of agriculture are not drowned out by the loud screams of extremists. We must ensure the rest of America understands that farmers and ranchers were going green long before the green movement was cool.
This description of American agriculture is certainly not news to those of us engaged in or who work with others in the industry. But for the remaining 98 percent of Americans who are not involved in production agriculture, I’m certain Rowe’s statement probably leaves them scratching their heads.
This week, Rowe spoke at the American Farm Bureau annual convention in Georgia and gave a great recap of how federal agencies and private groups have piped up with the wrong impression after agricultural operations were shown on his show, Dirty Jobs. In this article from CattleNetwork.com, Rowe reminds us that those who make a living from the land are the best advocates for good policies.
As we move ahead, our challenge is to make sure the true voices of agriculture are not drowned out by the loud screams of extremists. We must ensure the rest of America understands that farmers and ranchers were going green long before the green movement was cool.
A special thanks to Mike Rowe for helping us unveil the authentic canvas of American agriculture.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Trade Agreement With South Korea Would Bring Jobs to Texas
From beef cattle raisers and corn growers to dairy producers and soybean farmers, varied agriculture groups are praising the recent progress on the U.S.-South Korea Trade Agreement.
While Congress and the South Korean National Assembly still must ratify this agreement (and do so quickly in order to eliminate any unfair advantage sought by other countries), these negotiations will have huge implications for the Texas economy. We’re talking jobs here.
The door is now opening for Texas farmers and ranchers to have access to the nearly 50 million consumers in South Korea. While concessions have been made in areas, including rules on beef trade, according to USDA, this new deal will result in “a combination of tariff phase outs, new tariff-rate quotas and regulatory harmonization that will result in improved access to South Korea’s $1 trillion economy.”
This progress is certainly long-awaited news for all of American agriculture and will help ensure our producers can compete on a more level playing field when it comes to facing international competition. Not only do we hope Congress will approve this Free Trade Agreement, and do so quickly, we also think the time is right to act on the pending Columbia and Panama Free Trade Agreements as well.
Christmas is still weeks away, but Congress can now provide a gift to American agriculture that is long overdue.
While Congress and the South Korean National Assembly still must ratify this agreement (and do so quickly in order to eliminate any unfair advantage sought by other countries), these negotiations will have huge implications for the Texas economy. We’re talking jobs here.
The door is now opening for Texas farmers and ranchers to have access to the nearly 50 million consumers in South Korea. While concessions have been made in areas, including rules on beef trade, according to USDA, this new deal will result in “a combination of tariff phase outs, new tariff-rate quotas and regulatory harmonization that will result in improved access to South Korea’s $1 trillion economy.”
This progress is certainly long-awaited news for all of American agriculture and will help ensure our producers can compete on a more level playing field when it comes to facing international competition. Not only do we hope Congress will approve this Free Trade Agreement, and do so quickly, we also think the time is right to act on the pending Columbia and Panama Free Trade Agreements as well.
Christmas is still weeks away, but Congress can now provide a gift to American agriculture that is long overdue.
Click here more info on this story.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Agriculture Jobs are Growing!
I just read some great news for high school seniors debating which career path to take. According to an article in Cattle Network based on a study by Purdue University and the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, ag-related careers are showing promise.
Over the next five years, job opportunities in this broad field of study are said to be even better than during 2005-10. I think this has a great deal to do with the diversity of agriculture and the fact that consumers are wanting more information about where their food and fiber comes from and how it is handled.
I hope this new interest in agriculture will influence the curricula of the many outstanding agricultural programs in Texas. We need bright minds to bring innovative thinking to the future of agriculture in the Lone Star State.
You can read the entire Cattle Network article below:
Report: Job Market Expected To Improve For Ag-Related Grads
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Employment opportunities for college graduates in agriculture and related academic fields are expected to be better over the next five years than from 2005-10, according to a report by Purdue University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
The "Employment Opportunities for College Graduates in Food, Renewable Energy and the Environment" report estimates 54,400 jobs in agriculture-related sectors will be added in the United States annually between 2010 and 2015. In that same period, 53,500 students are expected to graduate each year from U.S. colleges of agriculture and in the life sciences, veterinary medicine, forestry and natural resources, and allied non-agricultural fields.
"Depending on their area of expertise, there should be good opportunities for graduates, with some growth in total jobs during the next five years," said Allan Goecker, associate director of academic programs for Purdue's College of Agriculture and one of the report's authors.
A summary of the report is available online at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/USDA/employment
Nearly three-fourths of the new jobs will be in business and science occupations; 15 percent in agriculture and forestry production; and 11 percent in education, communication and government services.
"In the business and management fields, occupations in sales and service continue to be the bellwether for employment opportunities," Goecker said. "I also think we're going to see more emphasis on people who have expertise and experience in financial planning and management and in environmental compliance."
Other fields with above-average job growth through 2015 include food science, plant sciences, biological engineering, public practice veterinary medicine, specialty crop production, forest restoration, precision agriculture, crop management consulting, climate change analysis, distance education and natural resources conservation, Goecker said.
"Many of these areas are tied to food and renewable energy, which are considered necessities," he said. "Five years ago we were talking about opportunities in the 'green' industry, particularly areas such as turf management and landscape architecture. Right now the job market in those areas is not very strong because they tend to be viewed as luxury services."
The future job market for college graduates with degrees in food, renewable energy and environmental fields will depend on macroeconomic conditions and retirements, consumer food choices, public policy decisions, and global market shifts in population, income, food and energy, Goecker said.
"There will be niches in the market where we will be undersupplied in the work force and areas of the market where we'll probably have more graduates than the market can accommodate," he said.
The report is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Center for Educational Statistics, and colleges and universities.
Source: Allan Goecker, Purdue University
Over the next five years, job opportunities in this broad field of study are said to be even better than during 2005-10. I think this has a great deal to do with the diversity of agriculture and the fact that consumers are wanting more information about where their food and fiber comes from and how it is handled.
I hope this new interest in agriculture will influence the curricula of the many outstanding agricultural programs in Texas. We need bright minds to bring innovative thinking to the future of agriculture in the Lone Star State.
You can read the entire Cattle Network article below:
Report: Job Market Expected To Improve For Ag-Related Grads
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Employment opportunities for college graduates in agriculture and related academic fields are expected to be better over the next five years than from 2005-10, according to a report by Purdue University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
The "Employment Opportunities for College Graduates in Food, Renewable Energy and the Environment" report estimates 54,400 jobs in agriculture-related sectors will be added in the United States annually between 2010 and 2015. In that same period, 53,500 students are expected to graduate each year from U.S. colleges of agriculture and in the life sciences, veterinary medicine, forestry and natural resources, and allied non-agricultural fields.
"Depending on their area of expertise, there should be good opportunities for graduates, with some growth in total jobs during the next five years," said Allan Goecker, associate director of academic programs for Purdue's College of Agriculture and one of the report's authors.
A summary of the report is available online at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/USDA/employment
Nearly three-fourths of the new jobs will be in business and science occupations; 15 percent in agriculture and forestry production; and 11 percent in education, communication and government services.
"In the business and management fields, occupations in sales and service continue to be the bellwether for employment opportunities," Goecker said. "I also think we're going to see more emphasis on people who have expertise and experience in financial planning and management and in environmental compliance."
Other fields with above-average job growth through 2015 include food science, plant sciences, biological engineering, public practice veterinary medicine, specialty crop production, forest restoration, precision agriculture, crop management consulting, climate change analysis, distance education and natural resources conservation, Goecker said.
"Many of these areas are tied to food and renewable energy, which are considered necessities," he said. "Five years ago we were talking about opportunities in the 'green' industry, particularly areas such as turf management and landscape architecture. Right now the job market in those areas is not very strong because they tend to be viewed as luxury services."
The future job market for college graduates with degrees in food, renewable energy and environmental fields will depend on macroeconomic conditions and retirements, consumer food choices, public policy decisions, and global market shifts in population, income, food and energy, Goecker said.
"There will be niches in the market where we will be undersupplied in the work force and areas of the market where we'll probably have more graduates than the market can accommodate," he said.
The report is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Center for Educational Statistics, and colleges and universities.
Source: Allan Goecker, Purdue University
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Texas A&M ranked in national study
While our football team at Texas A&M hasn’t ranked too high on the national stage lately (we are making great improvement), leadership in agriculture has been consistent over the years.
Texas A&M’s Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications was recently ranked second in the nation among 82 universities with similar programs. The programs were ranked in the study, “Characteristics of Distinguished Programs of Agricultural Education,” conducted by a professor from Ohio State, whose graduate team surveyed administrators across the country. They were asked to rank the agricultural programs they held in “highest professional regard.” Texas A&M was recognized by many as the most distinguished, based on factors such as faculty, research and international emphasis. A&M specifically was noted for its scope of research, leadership programs and faculty.
Congratulations to all those who contributed to achieving this national recognition. Your efforts are having a profound impact on Texas agriculture and our entire world.
Texas A&M’s Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications was recently ranked second in the nation among 82 universities with similar programs. The programs were ranked in the study, “Characteristics of Distinguished Programs of Agricultural Education,” conducted by a professor from Ohio State, whose graduate team surveyed administrators across the country. They were asked to rank the agricultural programs they held in “highest professional regard.” Texas A&M was recognized by many as the most distinguished, based on factors such as faculty, research and international emphasis. A&M specifically was noted for its scope of research, leadership programs and faculty.
Congratulations to all those who contributed to achieving this national recognition. Your efforts are having a profound impact on Texas agriculture and our entire world.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Urban students take an interest in agriculture
Agriculture remains a big portion of our state’s economy, accounting for almost 9.5 percent of Texas’ Gross State Product - the sum of all value added by industries within the state. Expanded science and technology have been tremendous catalysts for increasing the importance of agriculture.
As our state’s population continues to expand, particularly in the urban areas, some may mistakenly think interest in agriculture’s importance and the need for agriculture education have diminished. Not so, according to a recent article in the Dallas Morning News.
“Our program is probably going stronger in the urban areas than it is in the rural areas,” said Gerald Young, executive director of the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas.
To read the entire article, click here.
As our state’s population continues to expand, particularly in the urban areas, some may mistakenly think interest in agriculture’s importance and the need for agriculture education have diminished. Not so, according to a recent article in the Dallas Morning News.
“Our program is probably going stronger in the urban areas than it is in the rural areas,” said Gerald Young, executive director of the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas.
To read the entire article, click here.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Salute to Texas Farmers and Ranchers for National Agriculture Week
Today I would like to take the time to salute a very important group of people – Texas’ hardworking farmers and ranchers.
In honor of National Agriculture Week, March 15-21, I’d like to call attention to the role agricultural producers play in our national and global economies. With more than 22 million people employed in our nation’s agriculture industry, American farmers and ranchers are not only the backbone of our country – they are instrumental in feeding and clothing people all around the world. New technologies are also offering opportunities for agriculture to play a major role in meeting our nation’s energy needs.
Texas producers should certainly be recognized this week, as they play a critical role in our state’s economy. Did you know that the economic impact of agriculture in Texas exceeds $100 billion? Even during these challenging economic times, Texas farmers and ranchers continue to provide us with the most abundant and affordable food supply in the world.
Please join me this week, National Ag Week, in acknowledging the increasing importance of agriculture in today’s world. Extend a heartfelt thank-you to a farmer, rancher, food processor, grocer, farm supply store employee or any other of the millions of people across Texas who help ensure that we have food on our dinner tables, clothes on our backs and so many other of life's basic necessities.
In honor of National Agriculture Week, March 15-21, I’d like to call attention to the role agricultural producers play in our national and global economies. With more than 22 million people employed in our nation’s agriculture industry, American farmers and ranchers are not only the backbone of our country – they are instrumental in feeding and clothing people all around the world. New technologies are also offering opportunities for agriculture to play a major role in meeting our nation’s energy needs.
Texas producers should certainly be recognized this week, as they play a critical role in our state’s economy. Did you know that the economic impact of agriculture in Texas exceeds $100 billion? Even during these challenging economic times, Texas farmers and ranchers continue to provide us with the most abundant and affordable food supply in the world.
Please join me this week, National Ag Week, in acknowledging the increasing importance of agriculture in today’s world. Extend a heartfelt thank-you to a farmer, rancher, food processor, grocer, farm supply store employee or any other of the millions of people across Texas who help ensure that we have food on our dinner tables, clothes on our backs and so many other of life's basic necessities.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Recognizing Leaders in Texas Agriculture
Texas prides itself on great leadership. From Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin to Sam Rayburn and Lyndon B. Johnson, to George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, we have a history of powerful and dedicated individuals who have shaped our state and country.
Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership, or TALL, is an outstanding program sponsored by AgriLife Extension Service at Texas A&M University that recruits young, talented adults from across Texas and exposes them to a rigorous two year competitive leadership development program. Through seminars with experts, on-site tours, meetings with business and government leaders, international study and more, TALL helps shape future leaders who will make positive contributions to the agriculture industry.
These Texans will influence the present and future of Texas. We must remember service and giving back are fundamental to the development of a successful Texas. I am grateful to our future leaders who are involved in TALL for their dedication and ambition.
Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership, or TALL, is an outstanding program sponsored by AgriLife Extension Service at Texas A&M University that recruits young, talented adults from across Texas and exposes them to a rigorous two year competitive leadership development program. Through seminars with experts, on-site tours, meetings with business and government leaders, international study and more, TALL helps shape future leaders who will make positive contributions to the agriculture industry.
These Texans will influence the present and future of Texas. We must remember service and giving back are fundamental to the development of a successful Texas. I am grateful to our future leaders who are involved in TALL for their dedication and ambition.
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