Millennials See Greater Career Opportunities in Ag Industry

According to U.S. News and World Report, more millennials are looking for jobs in the ag industry. Last year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the unemployment rate for millennials was 5 percent. Meanwhile, the average hourly wage for most farmers was around $33.60 and the average yearly salary for those with five years experience and at least a high school diploma was $69,880. In 2012, there were about 110,000 25- to 34-year-old farmers, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Five U.S. senators and 16 U.S. House members from the Pacific Northwest sent Secretary of State John Kerry a letter Aug. 11 urging the State Department to begin negotiations with Canada to modernize the Columbia River Treaty. “Treaty modernization and negotiations with Canada directly affect the economy, environment, and flood control needs of communities we represent,” the members wrote.