Do some digging into Tasmanian agriculture

Access to quality fresh produce is a basic need for human survival. Of course, it all needs to come from somewhere (and we don’t mean the supermarket!) In Tasmania, we’re producing some of finest produce in the world. Our Tasmanian agricultural sector is booming. We are embracing research, harnessing natural resources and investing in skilled people.

Record-breaking growth

The reputation of Tasmania’s agricultural industry is growing every year. We are no longer known simply as the ‘Apple Isle’. Today, Tasmania is a world leader across a range of agricultural sectors. What’s more, our spectacular produce is in high demand around the globe.

In 2023, Tasmania’s gross farm gate value exceeded $2 billion for the first time. That’s a truckload of money coming into our state. More importantly, it’s creating all sorts of exciting job opportunities. Our sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors employ approximately 14,500 people. This is the second-highest employment sector in the state – and it’s only going to get bigger.

Tasmania’s international export markets

Total export markets as at 2020–21

Even more career opportunities in the future

Tasmanian farmers produce FIVE times more produce than we can consume in the state. The extra produce (aka the ‘surplus’) is exported interstate and overseas. New markets are opening all the time and the value of Tasmania’s agricultural production is expected to be around $10 billion by 2050. (that’s five times the production value of 2023).

To achieve this type of growth, the industry will need to develop a skilled workforce. It will need to focus on innovation. The industry will need to embrace leading-edge technologies, and world’s best practices (and fast).

Tasmania’s agricultural production – quick facts*

Diagram of Tasmania showing where crops are grown and animals are farmed — Production data as at 2020-21. Courtesy ABS. *Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.

Cool tech, smart tools and the world’s best practices

Imagine a world where farmers use smart tools and cool gadgets like drones. They use these to keep crops healthy and identify paddocks where soil nutrients are deficient. They even have the potential to grow new varieties of fruits and vegetables (spoiler alert – it’s already happening).

An agricultural revolution is underway in Tasmania. New career paths are opening up like never before. In short, it’s an awesome time to be working in agriculture (or for that matter, starting your career).

In the section below, we’ve provided a snapshot of potential career paths. Let’s start with a few broad areas of employment in agriculture. These include:

Two farmers standing in a paddock watching machinery

Agricultural Engineers

Agricultural engineers analyse farming operations. They work together with farmers to improve land use and develop methods to conserve resources, and increase crop productivity.

Labourers

If you have strength and stamina, there are plenty of jobs where you can work on the land. Tasks include planting, harvesting, caring for animals, and maintaining equipment.

Sales Careers

Sales representatives assess customer needs. They design solutions and contribute to clients’ goals. Often this includes selling equipment and resources such as seeds and feed to farm managers.

Agricultural Scientists

Agricultural scientists can make a huge difference to a farming operation. They review farming practices, design solutions, and develop products related to crops, livestock, and food production.

More specialised career paths include:

Agricultural Consultants

Agricultural Consultants develop procedures and techniques for solving agricultural problems and improving farm production in areas such as feeding programs, soil improvement and animal husbandry. They may also assist farmers in business analysis, the arrangement of sales, act as a mediator or broker, or run farms for absentee owners

Agricultural Economists

Agricultural economists perform economic research and analysis, develop and apply theories about production and distribution of goods and services and people’s spending and financial behaviour, and provide advice to governments and organisations on economic policy issues

Agricultural Educators

Agricultural Educators prepare school field projects, exhibits and agricultural demonstrations as part of the general school activities. Agricultural teachers utilise a combination of theory and practical based lessons

Agronomists

Agronomists work with farmers and other stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable agricultural practices that promote soil health and conservation, water management, pest control, and other measures to maximize crop yields

Commodity Traders

Commodities Traders operate as independent agents to bring together buyers and sellers of agricultural goods, negotiate private sales and arrange sales through established market places

Conservation Planners

Conservation Planners provide essential services in preserving and managing natural habitats, including a variety of flora and fauna monitoring projects, fire ecology, bushfire management projects, and nature-based recreation planning

Environmental Scientists

Environmental Scientists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment.They use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste

Farm Equipment Mechanics

Farm Equipment Mechanics focus on the repair, maintenance, and servicing of various types of farm equipment

Financial Analysts

A Financial Analyst is responsible for the financial health of a business by analysing data and preparing detailed reports. Their role also involves forecasting future performance and recommending ways to improve financial stability

Farm Managers

A farm manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations on a farm, including crop production, livestock care, equipment maintenance, and staff management. They also need to ensure that the farm is complying with all regulations and safety standards

Food Safety Inspectors

Food Safety Inspectors monitor processing operations, inspect equipment and identify potential sources of contamination. Most foodborne illnesses come from bacteria, so cleanliness and temperature control are essential at every stage of production

Horticulturists

Horticulturists generally focus on food and crop cultivation, involving themselves in any number of crops such as flowers, spices, vegetables and fruits. This focus can qualify horticulturists to provide specialist advice on crop maximisation and harvesting techniques to assist farmers in crop production

Livestock Managers

Livestock Managers coordinate and share duties and responsibilities with the farm owner. They make decisions about day-to-day operation, such as when an animal needs to fed or when veterinarians need to be called

Pest Control Specialists

Pest Control Specialists apply pest management techniques to manage and control animal and invertebrate pests on farms and in crops

Precision Agriculture Technicians

Precision Agriculture Technicians install, calibrate, and maintain precision agriculture equipment such as GPS systems, yield monitors, variable rate application equipment, soil moisture sensors, and aerial imaging technology

Rural Appraisers

Rural Appraisers are responsible for evaluating and placing monetary value on various items within the agricultural sector. An example of these are property divisions, estate planning, valuing agribusiness, establishing value for potential sale, and appraising conservation easements

Seed Analysts

Seed Analysts are responsible for analysing and evaluating seed samples for purity, variety, and germination

Veterinarians

A Veterinarian is an animal healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats injuries and illnesses in animals. They use medical tools and diagnostic equipment like x-ray machines and perform surgeries when necessary. Veterinarians provide essential medical services for pets, similar to how doctors care for humans

Young woman in a greenhouse picking some red tomatoes

The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) is a specialised institute at the University of Tasmania and plays an important role in Tasmania’s agri-food sector. Aspiring agricultural leaders can study a future-focused degree which equips students to address global challenges.

SMART Research Farms: TIA conducts highly relevant research directly benefiting Tasmania’s agriculture industry. Research areas span agricultural systems, food safety, horticulture, and livestock production. Their research facilities are equipped with advanced technology, providing real-time data for informed decision-making by growers.

Industry Engagement: TIA works with local, national, and international stakeholders, ensuring their research provides practical solutions for farmers and food producers. Through this collaborative effort, TIA aims to boost productivity while ensuring the sustainable management of Tasmania’s natural resources.

Tasmania’s agricultural production is expected to be around $10 billion by 2050

Our sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors employ approx 14,500 people

We’ve planted the seed for an exciting career in agriculture

If you’re interested in working on the land or working with animals, or new-age technology, take a serious look at a career in agriculture. Better still, do some digging online at career paths that sound interesting.

Good luck with your digging.