Abstract:
Today education stands between all men and all work. What
this means in specific off-farm agricultural occupations is the object
of this study. Advanced technology and education have helped to develop
modern agriculture so that one farmer can now produce enough
food for his family and 30 other persons. To achieve this level of
production the producer is supported by a large group of personnel
who service, process and distribute the products of the farm. There
are more jobs in off-farm agricultural occupations today than there
are on the farm.
The purpose of this study is to identify and study the off-farm
agricultural occupations in Yamhill County.
Information for this study was obtained through a mailed
questionraire and through personal interviews with persons qualified
to provide the desired information about the occupations and the
employees. A survey of firms in Yamhill County reveals that a large number
have employees needing agricultural backgrounds. Most offfarm
agricultural job opportunities are in semi-skilled categories.
None are in unskilled categories. There will continue to be an increased
demand for workers in off-farm occupations.
The majority of the job opportunities require at least a high
school education. Over one-half the employers were willing to cooperate
with the school districts in work experience programs for
students. A general knowledge of rural life is essential for offfarm
agricultural workers.
Based on the findings of this study, production agriculture
should continue to be the core of instruction for vocational agriculture.
The vocational agriculture program should be enriched and expanded
to include specialized training for off-farm occupations. The Future
Farmers of America organization should continue to be a strong and
integral part of the vocational agriculture program.
