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agriculture

What is it?

A career in agriculture is incredibly vast, stretching far beyond the traditional image of farming. Today, agriculture is a high-tech, multi-billion-dollar global industry that encompasses the production, processing, marketing, and distribution of food, fiber, and fuel.

Because the field is so diverse, professional paths generally fall into a few main sectors: production (farming and ranching), agribusiness (finance, marketing, and sales), ag-tech and science (agronomy, genetics, and engineering), and sustainability/conservation (soil science and resource management).

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Because agriculture has so many branches, daily responsibilities vary drastically depending on the specific path chosen.

In Production (Farmers, Ranchers, Managers)

  • Managing Crop and Livestock Health: Planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops, or feeding, breeding, and caring for livestock.

  • Operating and Maintaining Machinery: Driving and repairing heavy equipment like tractors, combines, and complex automated irrigation systems.

  • Monitoring Environments: Tracking weather patterns, soil moisture, and pest populations daily to make quick, critical decisions.

In Ag-Science & Tech (Agronomists, Lab Technicians, Engineers)

  • Conducting Field Research: Testing soil health, analyzing crop yields, and studying plant genetics to develop pest-resistant or drought-tolerant seeds.

  • Developing New Technology: Designing and programming precision-ag tools, such as drones for field mapping, GPS-guided tractors, and automated sorting systems.

In Agribusiness (Logistics, Commodity Traders, Marketing)

  • Managing Supply Chains: Coordinating the transport, storage, and distribution of raw agricultural products to processing plants and grocery markets.

  • Financial and Risk Management: Analyzing market trends, trading commodities, and helping operations manage the financial risks of fluctuating crop prices.

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Length of Training

32 Weeks/8 Months

Type of Training

In Person

* Salary Range

$36,000-$93,000

(entry level – experienced)

Man in plaid shirt and blue cap stands with crossed arms, smiling in front of a red tractor outdoors—a proud representation of agriculture careers.

Is it Right For You?

Whether working in a research lab, a corporate office, or out in the field, certain core attributes make someone uniquely suited for a career in agriculture.

 

Core Qualities

  • Resilience and Adaptability: Agriculture depends heavily on variables outside human control—weather anomalies, market crashes, and sudden pest outbreaks. A great agricultural professional is comfortable with uncertainty and can pivot quickly when plans go awry.

  • A Problem-Solving Mindset: Whether fixing a broken tractor parts-deep in mud, diagnosing a mystery plant disease, or figuring out how to optimize a shipping route during a fuel shortage, resourcefulness is key.

  • Stamina and Work Ethic: For those on the production side, the work is highly physical and doesn’t adhere to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Seasons like planting and harvest require long, intense hours.

  • A Passion for Sustainability: Modern agriculture is deeply intertwined with environmental stewardship. A great professional cares about feeding the world while protecting the soil, water, and ecosystems for future generations.

 

Professional Skills 

  • Technological Literacy: Modern agriculture is driven by data. Success today requires comfort with data analytics software, drone technology, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and automated machinery.

  • Business and Financial Acumen: Agriculture operates on tight margins. Understanding supply chain logistics, budgeting, asset management, and global trade markets is crucial for longevity in the field.

  • Scientific and Analytical Skills: A solid foundation in biology, chemistry, and environmental science is essential for understanding plant pathology, animal nutrition, and soil chemistry.

  • Collaboration and Communication: Agricultural professionals must work effectively with a wide range of people, from field laborers and truck drivers to corporate executives, scientists, and government regulators.

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A group of graduates in caps and gowns celebrating outdoors. Text on the image reads "Over $12 million in scholarships being awarded." These scholarships are paving the way for promising careers.
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Stephanie underwood - Chief financial Officer

Stephanie Underwood serves as Chief Financial Officer at Great Jobs KC, where she leads the organization’s financial strategy in support of its mission to create economic mobility through education and workforce opportunities. With more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit finance, Stephanie brings deep expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. She is passionate about using her career as a platform to serve and support mission-driven organizations, helping them maximize impact through strong financial stewardship.

Prior to joining Great Jobs KC, Stephanie served as Chief Financial Officer for Griffith Centers, a behavioral and mental health organization, where she oversaw financial operations for a multi-million-dollar organization spanning residential, educational, and community-based programs. She also spent nearly a decade as Vice President of Accounting Services at NFP Partners, providing CFO-level leadership to nonprofit organizations across the country, with a focus on strategic growth, audit readiness, and governance.

Outside of her professional role, Stephanie volunteers her time at her church and serves on the board of a local nonprofit. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to aligning financial strategy with mission impact. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting and is proud to be a first-generation college graduate.

 

 

 

Adult Learner College Scholarship

The Adult Learner Scholarship application is closed. Please click GET STARTED to be added to communication reminders on when to apply during the next open cycle.

Program offers:

  • Up to $25,000 paid directly to the college over the course of up to six years.
  • Once awarded, the Scholar can enroll full or part-time the fall semester following awarding.
  • Scholarship can be used at any of our college partners. See our current list of partners HERE.
  • Scholarship can be used towards an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or a credit-bearing credential. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Be a high school graduate or GED holder (24 years or older).
  • Live in one of the six eligible counties. (Kansas: Wyandotte, Johnson; Missouri: Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte)
  • Be income eligible. (FASFA Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less)
  • Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
  • Have not previously been awarded a KC Scholars Scholarship (Traditional or Adult Learner).
  • Is not currently enrolled in a Great Jobs KC Skills Training Program.
  • US Citizenship/Residency is not required to apply.

If you need more information on program details, please find our FAQs HERE

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Jimmy Swift - Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Swift is responsible for overseeing our core programs, our adult workforce development program, Great Jobs KC tuition-free job training, and our KC Scholars Scholarship Program, which includes 11th Grade Traditional Scholarships and Adult Learner Scholarships. 

Jimmy has a career in education that spans more than 25 years and is built around supporting and improving the performance of career training programs and leading the operations of degree-granting institutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management and has served as Campus President, Vice President of Career Services, and Executive Director of various career schools.  

Most recently, Jimmy served as the Vice President of PLA University at Phalen Leadership Academies, bringing access to job skill training to the parents and families of the Scholars served by Phalen Leadership schools across the country.  Beyond his higher education experience, Jimmy serves as the Executive Board Chairman for Project Safety Net NY, a nonprofit community-based agency delivering a broad range of health, education, and prevention services to the New York Community. As the Chief Operating Officer for Great Jobs KC, he and his team are poised to make a substantial impact on the economic stability and future of Kansas City.

Great Jobs KC
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