Additional Information
If you're interested in poultry farming, you might consider getting a degree
in poultry science and working for one of the large poultry companies. They're
looking for people with the right educational backgrounds.
"It's sort of slim pickings. The companies like to hire people with poultry
science degrees and they're getting harder and harder to find," says Richard
Lobb. He is the director of communications for the National Chicken Council
(NCC). If you're interested in agriculture and business, "poultry is a great
way to go," he says.
"The companies in some places, such as Arkansas, offer scholarship money
to promising young people," Lobb says. He suggests exploring animal science
programs. That's because in some places, poultry science departments are being
rolled into animal science departments.
Growing up on a family farm and participating in agricultural programs
are important sources of training for those interested in agriculture. National
Future Farmers of America or 4-H youth programs offer great exposure to agricultural
activities.
Modern farming requires increasingly complex scientific, business and financial
decisions. Even people raised on farms must have strong educational backgrounds.
Good high school training includes mathematics and science. Completion
of a two-year or four-year program at a college of agriculture is recommended.