Exploring Ag Careers Through Hands on Learning

By Scout Nelson

More than 170 students gather at the UNL Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff for Careers in Ag Day, an event designed to help young people learn about the wide range of careers available in agriculture. The program continues to grow each year and now reaches close to 200 students.

Organizers explain that the event gives students the chance to learn directly from leaders in the agriculture industry. One organizer describes the growth of the event, saying, “I was here for the first year, and I think we had 25 or 30 students… Now we're up close to 200 students every year, and it's just an opportunity for these young people to spend time with the AG leaders of this community.”

The event includes seven educational sessions covering production of agriculture, livestock, ag sales, food science, and other important sectors. A job fair is also part of the schedule, offering students a chance to meet local businesses and explore possible career paths. Another organizer notes, “We made a few modifications this year… We have a job fair going on, so this is just an opportunity for those high school kids to look at what's available in the valley.”

Businesses represented include irrigation companies, credit services, equipment manufacturers, and other regional employers. A featured speaker shares insights about how different roles in one operation—such as production and marketing—can create diverse career opportunities within the same business. This helps students understand how agriculture includes many paths beyond traditional production work.

Students attending the event are enrolled in agriculture education classes, involved in youth leadership programs, or exploring future career options. They rotate through hands-on sessions such as agronomy, seed and chemical information, greenhouse learning, and a visit to the college and career fair. Their instructors say the event helps students who are still deciding between career directions.

At the end of the day, organizers express excitement about the students’ engagement, saying, “They are engaged, they are here, and they are excited.” The event is hosted by the local Ag Business Committee with support from several regional partners.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-lisegagne