Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
Why Faith fell in love with Agricultural Economics at Auburn—from family cattle farm to business world
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Along with playing the guitar, baking and riding horses, Faith Lane has always had a heart for agriculture. She loved growing up on her family’s cattle farm in Lowndesboro, Alabama, and wanted to find a way to give back to the upbringing that shaped her.
That’s why she decided to pursue the unique Agricultural Economics major at Auburn. Read on to learn more and find out her career goals.
Growing up on a cattle farm
Faith was raised on her family’s cattle farm in a household of three girls, and one of the first things she learned how to do was ride a dirt bike.
“We’ve always said our dad raised us like boys, teaching us the ropes of the cattle industry, and our mom raised us like girls, educating us on how to cook and clean.”
Faith Lane, Agricultural Economics student, Auburn University
Unlike others, Faith did not want to leave her rural upbringing behind. In fact, she specifically chose Auburn University because of its top-notch Agricultural Economics program.
“It’s a huge passion of mine to be on a career path where I can give back to the family and industry I was raised in.”
Faith Lane, Agricultural Economics student, Auburn University
Addressing a common Ag Econ misconception
However, Faith’s upbringing is not the only one you’ll find in Auburn’s Ag Econ program. According to Dr. Mykel Taylor, Ag Econ Associate Professor, no student is required or expected to have a rural background to major in agriculture at Auburn.
“There’s a misconception that you have to live in a rural area and have a rural background to major in Agricultural Economics. But that’s not true among our majors. Over the last seven years, we’ve seen actually a little more than half come from urban or suburban backgrounds.”
Dr. Mykel Taylor, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, Auburn University
A unique approach to agriculture + business
It’s fairly common to hear college students decide to major in business due to the favorable job placement and high salary statistics. However, many of them are unaware of the equally lucrative and fast-growing field of Agricultural Economics.
When you major in Ag Econ at Auburn, you take general business classes, while obtaining a niche understanding of agriculture. This gives you the basic skills you need to succeed in the business world while granting you an edge on the competition.
Former Auburn Agricultural Economics graduate, Collin Dorrill, chose Ag Econ because of the job placement opportunities.
“I chose Ag Econ for two reasons: First, I was able to learn about finance, accounting and other business skills that I could carry with into a lot of different jobs. Second, I chose the major because of the agriculture aspect, which would help me be more sought after in a narrower range of jobs.”
Collin Dorrill, Management Trainee, Mountaire Farms
If you want to differentiate yourself in the job market, Agricultural Economics at Auburn is the way to go.
Ag Econ—a lucrative career field
Although majoring in Agricultural Economics is more niche than securing a general business degree, the program offers multiple career paths. If you’re interested in securing a job in marketing, sales, lending, banking, financing and more, you can do it with an Ag Econ degree.
Plus, the field is continuing to grow and will provide excellent job placement opportunities in the coming years.
“Purdue did a recent study positing that in the next decade, there are going to be more open positions in the agricultural supply chain than Agriculture majors to fill those spots.”
Dr. Mykel Taylor, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, Auburn University
When it comes to Faith’s career goals, she plans to begin her career in Agricultural Lending after graduation. She loves how agricultural careers offer the perfect balance of “desk work” and hands-on activities.
“I know what it’s like to do the manual labor on a farm, and now I’m furthering my knowledge in the business side of the operation. Growing up, I would always have conversations with my dad about our goals for the cattle farm, and I would love to be a resource to other farms and help grow their businesses.”
Faith Lane, Agricultural Economics student, Auburn University
Check out Auburn’s Ag Econ program today!
Whether you want to give back to your upbringing like Faith or study abroad in Scotland like Auburn alum Collin, Auburn’s Agricultural Economics program can help you launch your career.
Above all, the major grants you the opportunity to give back.
“What attracts many people to Ag Econ is the desire to make a difference and contribute to society. The ability to provide safe, affordable and sometimes local food is a wonderful opportunity. Everyone’s affected by food and its availability and affordability, which makes Ag Econ a meaningful career path.”
Dr. Mykel Taylor, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, Auburn University
Ready to enter a field with top-notch job placement salary opportunities? Check out Auburn’s Agricultural Economics program today.
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