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Workers needed in ag sector
Dr. Victor Martin
Dr. Victor Martin

The drought monitor, as of Tuesday, April 21, indicates an easing in drought conditions with Northeast, East Central and part of North Central Kansas out of dry conditions while the western two-thirds is deteriorating with 32% in severe drought. Our entire area is now in moderate drought. The six-to-10-day forecast (April 27 to May 1) indicates a 33-40% chance of leaning below normal for temperatures and a 33-50% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. The eight-to-14-day forecast (April 29 to May 5) indicates a 33-40% chance of leaning below normal for temperatures and a 40-50% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation.

  • Graduation season is just around the corner. Some newly-minted high school graduates have firm plans for furthering their education. Some aren’t sure and don’t want another four years of school, but know they need a profession/training to have a career and a good income. Some are convinced they will never set foot in a classroom again. For every one of these graduates and those a little older and wanting/needing a career change and a chance for a better living, there are other options. These options include a variety of options for short-term training opportunities focusing on good paying careers. For this column, we will focus on careers in and related to agriculture. Even with all the challenges ag is facing, ag is looking for employees in all aspects of the industry, with many positions not requiring a four-year degree. Positions pay well with excellent benefits and for many, the opportunity to advance. And agriculture is a key industry in the Barton County area and really for most of the state.
  • Cattle are extremely important in the entire state and Barton offers two certificate levels in beef cattle production. And the credit hours for the certificates can be used to obtain an AAS (Associate of Applied Science) in Ag Business Management. You can also obtain an AS (Associate of Science) in Animal Science. You may also use the degrees and transfer to K-State or FHSU if you later want to.
  • Barton offers two, two-semester, certificates and an AAS in Crop Protection, a high demand job that pays well. It’s much more than simply helping a student obtain the applicator’s license but to obtain a basic understanding of crops, soils, and the technology involved.
  • Along with the AAS degrees in Ag Business Management and Crop Protection, Barton offers a variety of AS degrees in Agriculture, Agronomy, Ag Education, Ag Economics, Ag Communication, Ag Business Management, Horticulture/Turf Management, Wildlife Management, along with Park Management and Conservation. The AS degrees are designed to transfer to a four-year institution, or you can use them to start a career.
  • A career as a Scale Technician is a one-semester certificate in the little known but important, good paying, career in the scale industry.
  • Welding is an important career in ag, and Barton offers two certificates and an AAS in Welding Technology.
  • Finally, Barton has a CDL Program for Class A and B completed in one semester.

Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.