The agriculture sector is one of the largest employers, employing more than 155 million people in the United States. What do you think of when you hear the word “agriculture”? Many people would say farming, but that's not the most common profession in this field. Farmers account for just a fraction of agricultural employment, 900,000 people, but more than 2.1 million people own, rent, and rely on agriculture as their primary source of income. The average farm size fell from 460 acres in 1990 to 418 acres in 2007, while the average age of this occupation increased to 57, making it one of the oldest workforces in the United States. The education and working conditions required for this job have changed significantly. . It used to be that growing up on a farm and learning as you went was the primary source of education and work experience. Nowadays, with advances in the field, such as autopilot, depth control and terrain mapping, post-secondary training is essential. Most high school graduates earn a two-year associate's degree or four-year bachelor's degree from an agricultural school. For example, the University of Nebraska Lincoln (a four-year college) and Southeast Community College (a two-year college) both offer special agricultural programs that target this key area. After completing and earning a degree, continuing education is very important. Research and development always comes up with innovative ideas and techniques to implement on your farm. Keeping up to date with new and improved methods may require staff to attend a training seminar or course provided by the manufacturer or company. Another very positive point of this work is the versatility of where this work is present. Throughout the country you can find relatives...... middle of paper ......). USDA Crop Profiles. Retrieved February 16, 2012 from the National Information System for Regional IPM Centers: www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/cp_form.cfm United States Department of Labor. (June 9, 2011). Professional outlook manual, 2010-2011. Retrieved February 14, 2012, from Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov/oco/ocos176.htm#trainingEconomic Research Service. (January 17, 2012). Datasets. Retrieved February 9, 2012, from the United States Department of Agriculture: www.ers.usda.gov/statefacts/us.htmDeere and Company. (2012). Our former leaders. Retrieved February 17, 2012 from John Deere: www.deere.com/wps/dcom/en_US/corporate/our_company/about_us/history/past_leaders/john_deere_founder_biography.page North America > United States > Work. (2012). Retrieved February 9, 2012 from Nation Master: www.nationmaster.com/country/us-united-states/lab-labor