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Low unemployment in Iowa means more available jobs in Ag industry

Employers in northern Iowa are trying to fill a bounty of agricultural jobs.
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MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — Employers in northern Iowa are trying to fill a bounty of agricultural jobs.

Local economic development officials are touting a series of jobs that are directly and indirectly related to farming, the Globe Gazette reports. The list includes work in cooperatives, ethanol plants and feed mills, as well as full- and part-time jobs.

Low unemployment rates in area counties can make it tough to find employees. The rate in many counties around Mason City ranges between 3 and 5 percent, while the statewide average is 4.5 percent.

Jennifer Andrade, an IowaWorks business marketing specialist, says her groups is encouraging more businesses to focus on outreach by visiting local high schools.

“We’re really trying to introduce our younger workers, our emerging workforce to industries like agriculture and construction that they’ve kind of gone away from over the last few years,” Andrade told the Globe Gazette.

“You hear kids say ‘I don’t want to work behind a desk.’ Well, agriculture can be a great industry to go into. Either right out of high school where the employer will provide training or there’s some great two-year programs. NIACC has a great program in ag,” Andrade said.

Near the Quad Cities, students out of high school can seek training in the Ag industry through Eastern Iowa Community Colleges with programs such as Agribusiness Management, Farm Management and Vet Technician.

The following Iowa businesses are looking for Ag employees*: 

*This is not a complete list of Iowa businesses offering employment.

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