Le Sigh. Are the writers at Yahoo! living under a rock? Judging by this lazy, poorly researched article, I’d say, yes.

Or maybe the writer penned this during Wikipedia’s blackout?

Possibly, considering that he doesn’t seem to know about innovations in production agriculture, both rural and urban, like hydroponics, aquaponics, large-scale rooftop farming, and urban planning initiatives across the country to increase green spaces and improve food access by (hyper)localizing.

Currently:

- About 58,000 jobs annually
- Only about 39,000 Ag graduates nationwide including advanced degrees
- Ag placement rate w/in six mos of graduation is above 90% as compared to national average below 50%.

(from Cause Matters)

The author also doesn’t seem to know about this new crop of farmers, or these kids, or even this guy.

And what about the move towards more energy-efficient, off-the-grid practices like solar and wind to power equipment and facilities?

If the University of Idaho has to cut their ag programs, it has more to do with their inability to evolve and adapt to the changing face of agriculture in the U.S. then lack of job prospects.

On-farm waste management technology, anyone?

New Direct-to-Consumer distribution models, anyone?

Farmer and Eater-led regional food systems, anyone?

Anyone? 

If the writer was only looking at traditional employment prospects, sure, maybe these degrees are outdated. But if you’re a part of the good food movement, then you know that the jobs these degrees will serve will be the ones you create.

What say you?