UBCNews - Business - Don't Choose Between Farm & Future: How Agribusiness Tech Saves Both

Episode Date: February 3, 2026

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling a challenge that's weighing on so many farm families right now. How do you keep the operation going when traditional farming barely pays the bills anymore? Newman University City: Wichita Address: 3100 McCormick Website: https://newmanu.edu/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling a challenge that's weighing on so many farm families right now. How do you keep the operation going when traditional farming barely pays the bills anymore? Right, and that's the reality for a lot of third or fourth generation farm kids. They love the land, they love the heritage, but they're watching their parents struggle financially year after year. It's heartbreaking. Exactly. So the question becomes, can you actually stay on the farm and make it work? or do you have to walk away? That's where agribusiness technology management comes in.

Mm-hmm, interesting. So this isn't your typical ag degree, is it? No, definitely not. Traditional agriculture programs focus heavily on production science, how to grow crops, manage soil, raise livestock. Agribusiness technology management takes a different angle. It bridges agricultural science, business management, and emerging digital technologies.

So you're learning the business side and the tech side alongside the farming fundamentals? Exactly. Think about it this way. You understand crop science well enough to make informed decisions, but the real focus is on managing a profitable, efficient agricultural business. You're learning accounting, marketing, financial analysis, supply chain management. And the technology piece, what does that actually look like in practice? We're talking precision agriculture tools, GPS, GIS systems, drone technology, remote sensing, farm management software. The kind of tech that lets you optimize inputs like fertilizer and water, reduce waste, and maximize yields. It's data-driven farming.

So instead of treating an entire field the same way, you're using data to customize treatment for different zones? Exactly. Variable rate fertilizer application, sensor-based irrigation. These tools cut costs and improve environmental outcomes at the same time. In 2023, 68% of large-scale farms adopted advanced techniques, such as yield monitoring and soil maps. That makes sense, but here's what I'm curious about. Who's actually hiring these graduates?

Because if the jobs aren't there, the degree doesn't help much. Great question. The career pathways are really diverse. You've got farm or ranch management, obviously. But also crop and livestock marketing, financial services, agricultural lending, loan officers. There's insurance, agrotech product management, supply chain roles, even public policy and international trade. So it's way broader than just running a farm. Way broader.

And that's key because regional employers, cooperatives, input suppliers, food, processors, they're actively recruiting for this skill combination. They need people who understand both production and business. And what about the money? I mean, that's a big part of why farm kids are looking elsewhere, right? Definitely. Entry-level salaries for agribusiness graduates average around $37,000, but specialized tracks in sales, finance, and business administration can lead to significantly higher earnings over time. My cousin actually made. made that switch, started in basic farm operations, went back for business training, and now he's managing regional accounts. Totally changed his trajectory. I see go on. That point about

specialized tracks and career trajectories sets up our next piece, how these programs actually prepare students with real-world experience. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. If you're wondering how to keep your family farm viable while building a sustainable career, Newman University's Agricultural Technology Management Program might be the answer. The bachelor's degree is designed to meet strong student and employer demand in the region, with an employer-driven curriculum that equips you with business skills, data analytics, and hands-on technology experience. Students gain significant real-world work experience before graduation,

preparing them for diverse career pathways. Learn more at Newmanu.edu. Picking up on career trajectories, how do programs actually prepare students for those pathways before they graduate? Internships are huge. Research indicates that 66% of interns secure a full-time job post-internship. Longer internships with more weekly hours correlate directly with better employment prospects. And companies like Cargill, Corteva Agritians, and Farm Cooperatives actively recruit interns, right? They do. And those internships often lead to job offers. But beyond internships, students should look for programs that involve actual client consulting, farm audits, precision agriculture projects, practical learning that extends past classroom instruction.

So you're building a professional network while you're still a student? Exactly. I actually spoke with a graduate last year who told me his internship at a regional cooperative turned into his first job offer before he even finished his degree. That kind of early connection is invaluable. Now, let's talk about sustainability, because that's a big theme in modern agribusiness. How does that fit in? Sustainability isn't just an elective anymore. It's embedded as a business imperative. Reducing input costs while minimizing environmental impact aligns financial and environmental goals. Precision agriculture makes that possible. You can say it's farming with a conscience and a calculator. Both matter equally.

So ethical, sustainable, and regenerative approaches are part of the core curriculum? They are. And that's important because employers increasingly value graduates who understand environmental compliance, carbon credit markets, and climate resilience. Federal support for precision agriculture research and climate adaptation totals nearly $200 million. That's a massive investment. So to everyone listening, if you're a farm kid wondering whether you can stay on the land and still build a solid future, here's the answer, you can. But it requires blending that agricultural heritage with modern business and technology skills.

Right. And the beauty is you're not abandoning tradition, you're strengthening it. In other words, you're taking what your family built and making it financially sustainable for the next generation. Have you ever wondered if there's a way to honor your family's legacy while actually securing your financial future? That's what this field offers. And look, the agricultural sector faces a shortage of professionals who combine agricultural knowledge with data science and technology skills. That shortage creates opportunity. Graduates with dual capabilities command premium

compensation because they're rare. So the demand is there, the jobs are there, and the pathways are clear. Whether you want to manage your family operation, work in sales, go, go into finance or specialize in agri-tech. Agribusiness technology management gives you options. And honestly, that flexibility is key because not everyone who starts thinking they want to manage a farm ends up doing that. Maybe you discover a passion for data analytics or financial services. A good program lets you pivot. Exactly. So if you're feeling stuck between the farm and the future, remember, you don't have to choose. You can have both. Thanks for joining us. today. This has been a great conversation. Thanks for having me. It's a topic close to my heart.