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This month will mark the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Since that time, the threat of terror has pervaded almost every aspect of life, including seemingly mundane day-to-day activities. (It’s almost a foregone conclusion that what you last paid for gasoline has at least something to do with the terrorist threat).

In the past few months, the term “agroterrorism” has been popping up in the media more and more often. But what exactly is agroterrorism and how will it affect your job search or the job you currently hold? Simply put, agroterrorism is a form of terrorism by which our nation’s food supply would be somehow contaminated, most likely through the manipulation of livestock. And judging by the government’s reaction to the threat of agroterrorism, it’s a safe bet that it will have a tangible effect on the agricultural job market, and in more ways than one.

The government’s reaction to the threat involves both the United States Department of Agriculture and the Homeland Security Department. Mike Johanns, the new Secretary of Agriculture, vowed earlier this year at the International Symposium of Agroterrorism, held in Kansas City, Mo., to do whatever is needed to fight the risk of agroterrorism in this country. The measures that he discussed at the event have the potential to greatly affect the agricultural job market in the following manner:

 The creation of new jobs. Johanns talked repeatedly about the need for the creation and implementation of a highly detailed and extremely effective animal ID program. He described it as a “multi-year effort that takes some time.” Mad cow disease has already revealed, in stark fashion, the need for an ID program. Agroterrorism has served to accelerate its existence. One of the byproducts of its existence will be the creation of new jobs. Tracking an animal from birth to the marketplace is an ambitious endeavor, and considering what’s at stake, not a lot will be left to chance. In addition, the ID program is just one part of the USDA’s anti-agroterrorism initiative, albeit a major one. Other measures and actions will also help to create new jobs in the agricultural industry.

 The necessity for additional job training. To underscore how seriously the government takes the agroterrorism threat, the USDA has a homeland security division. Jerry Stump, the director of that division, said that the USDA, the Homeland Security Department, and the Food and Drug Administration are pooling their resources for the purpose of coordinating a response in the case of an emergency. In addition, Johanns stated that his department and the FBI would sign an agreement that will provide agroterrorism training for USDA employees. With this many agencies working together and the government’s willingness to spend money in this area, mandatory training that didn’t even exist a few years ago will become commonplace in an ever-growing circle of agricultural-related positions.

Terrorism, in whatever form its threat may take, does not appear as though it’s going to fade from the public consciousness anytime soon. From all indications, it’s here for the long haul, and it will continue to affect American life in an increasing number of ways. And one of those ways might very well be your next job. Preparing yourself for this latest change in the marketplace could set you apart from other candidates and ensure that you achieve your long-term employment goals.

(Matt Deutsch is the editor of the Animal Science Monitor. You can contact him at bottomline31@msn.com.)

The Animal Science Monitor would like to welcome Jeffrey Bewley to the newsletter’s editorial staff. Jeffrey, who’s been involved in animal science in one way or another his entire life, grew up on a dairy farm in Rineyville, Kentucky working with his grandfather, Hilary Skees. He also participated in a number of 4-H and FFA activities as a youth.

Later, Jeffrey earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, with a major in Animal Science and a minor in Agricultural Economics. From there, he went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to obtain his master’s degree, where he focused on Dairy Systems Management, conducting research in the area of herd expansion. Jeffrey also served as the Director of Student Relations for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. While there, he was responsible for student recruitment in the College of Agriculture, in addition to advising the College of Agriculture Student Ambassadors and Student Council.

Jeffrey then worked for two years at PerforMix Nutrition, based in Nampa, Idaho. While he was there, he worked developing tools to help dairy producers make prudent business decisions. He also worked in sales and nutritional consulting.

Jeffrey, 29, is currently in the process of starting a Ph.D. program in Dairy Management at Purdue University with Dr. Mike Schutz. His research in this area involves intervention technologies, which once again deals with helping dairy producers make good decisions. Numerous passive animal monitors have been developed in the dairy industry, but research on the economics of these systems and how to mine the massive amounts of data they provide is limited. Hopefully, this research will help dairy producers to determine whether to and how to use intervention technologies as part of their “management by exception” strategies.

“My immediate goal is to continue with my research efforts and continue to move forward in that direction,” said Jeffrey. “Also, one of my passions in life is teaching, and I’m hopeful I’ll be able to teach, either formally or informally. I think I’m in a position where that’s something I can pursue.”

You can look for Jeffrey’s articles in future issues of the Animal Science Monitor.

Networking 101
(By Dan Simmons)

Advancing your career, regardless of what industry you work in, is all about opportunities. The more opportunities you have, the greater the chance that you’ll be able to move up the ladder. The key is to create as many opportunities as you possibly can, because you never know which one will lead you in the direction you want to go. And the number-one way to create those opportunities is by establishing relationships with other people. In other words, through networking.

When you hear the word networking, what image does that bring to mind? Many people retreat into their private caves and shelter themselves from the outside world. Some fear that they will have to “advertise” to the world that they are in the midst of a career change or simply unemployed. Let’s look at some aspects of networking that can and do create a positive image of yourself and your situation.

It’s a fact that over 60% of available jobs are never advertised through the public media. Now combine that with the fact that over 80% of successful career changes/searches are a result of direct networking efforts. For some, the hardest part of networking is the realization that they’re going to have to tell people that they’re unemployed. There was a time when being unemployed carried a certain social stigma that was to be avoided. This, however, has been phased out over time, and the fact that you are “between opportunities” or “changing careers” is quite the accepted mode.

The paper resume you’ve already prepared is probably quite good, and it lists a complete synopsis of you and your career. Utilizing the networking function, however, allows people to see the living, breathing resume that is you. It allows you to showcase the so-called “soft skills” of communication, etiquette, sense of humor, and mode of dress, all of which cannot be discerned from simply reading a resume.

Those who approach networking as simply an excuse for refreshment on the way home from work are also missing the value of the exercise. You should approach networking with a sense of purpose and expectation. Set specific goals at each networking event. (How many introductions you’ll make, how many business cards you’ll distribute or collect, etc.)

Pick your networking spots effectively. Don’t go to just any event that happens to fit your schedule. Vary your functions. If you always go to the same events, chances are you will always see the same people. Structure your networks proactively (1/3 for inspiration, 1/3 for peer support, and 1/3 for specific leads). Be persistent, ask meaningful questions, develop good opening and closing lines, don’t be boring, and follow up. Some of the more effective networking sources include the following:

Your college alumni office or career center. Most post-secondary schools have a vast network of alumni members who can be valuable resources in your search. The Center for Career Development can also provide information and registration services for your search.

College professors. Many professors have friends in high places in the industry, friends they may be willing to introduce you to. Or at the very least, they might put in a good word for you. Yet another reason not to question your professor’s grading system.

Agricultural extension agents. Much like professors, this group can also have numerous contacts in the field of your choice. Make it a point to identify who the ag extension agents are at your school or university, and then contact them in some fashion.

Recruiters who work in your industry. This is a group of professionals who have extensive knowledge about the industry, about hiring trends, and about salary expectations. And it’s knowledge that you can easily tap into—all you have to do is ask! (Of course, the contents of this newsletter are an accurate reflection of the knowledge that Don Hunter and I possess. Hint, hint.)

Friends from college. Many people overlook the importance of this type of networking. Those you were friends with in college can become big friends in the workforce. Make a concerted effort to stay in touch with these people after graduation. It could make the difference between the job of your dreams and a job in the doldrums.

Industry associations. We’re talking about associations at all levels—local, state, and national. There are more of these associations than you can shake a stick at. You have to find the ones that fit your particular field of study.

Former co-workers and bosses. Just because you don’t work with them anymore doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay in contact with them, via email, telephone, or otherwise. They can prove to be a great source of information concerning job openings in the industry.

Your church affiliation. Many offer support groups or networking opportunities for members.

The local chamber of commerce. A great many resources are available for members, including socials, luncheons, various committees, and research materials.

Local government. Many localities offer business and educational resource facilities and assistance.

National service organizations. Join the Rotary, Lions, or any other reputable service organization. While you’re helping others, you can also build lasting relationships. This also goes for boards like the American Red Cross, Leukemia Society, etc.

Sports and recreation. If you are athletically inclined, join a local bowling league, softball team, or a walking or running club. You’ll be able to network while you stay fit. (Double bonus!)

Hobbies. Likewise, if you have a particular hobby or interest, sign up and network with individuals with whom you have something in common.

Schools. If you have school-age children, get involved in the PTA, Scouts, or other groups where you will be associating with people in a common format.

Here’s a word of caution. There are many so-called “professional networking organizations” out there. Their purpose is to get you to come to a “meeting,” where you are promised that you will be in contact with other professionals in your area. There are usually a number of hidden fees and costs associated with these types of networks, and the results are typically not that productive. It would be better to find a group that will serve your specific interests while not charging you for this “privilege.”

Remember, effective networking is not a one-way street. Be prepared to help others first, and you’ll be amazed at the help you will receive in return.

Counter Offer: Friend or Foe?
(By Don Hunter)

Here’s the scenario. You’ve been passively looking for a new job for months because you really don’t see any room for growth or opportunity at your present company. After a few interviews, lo and behold, somebody makes you an attractive offer. So you proceed to turn in your two weeks’ notice, and you’re presented with another little surprise—your boss makes you a counter offer. What do you do now?

For any employee, a counter offer is a potentially troubling situation that requires very careful consideration. Of course, there is always a certain amount of risk involved in leaving your present job for a new one. But there are also serious risks associated with accepting a counter offer from your current employer.

Now at first, when you receive a counter offer, it’s immediately appealing. That’s normal, because you’re instilled with the feeling that you’re important, that you’re valuable, valuable enough for the company to make an attempt to keep you there. However, in the interest of your long-term employment stability and happiness, you should take a step back and analyze the situation objectively and logically. In the process of doing that, you should ask yourself the following questions:

Why haven’t I received this offer of compensation before now? Here’s a question that people often don’t ask in the wake of a counter offer because they’re too caught up in the mini-euphoria of having companies “fight” over them. Everybody likes to feel as though they’re wanted, but there are reasons you made the decision to leave the company in the first place. One of them may very well involve compensation. The cold, hard reality is that well-managed companies simply do not make counter offers. They make attractive compensation offers to valued employees following regularly scheduled reviews. (That, of course, is one of the reasons their turnover rate is so low.) If the company truly acknowledged your value as an employee, they would already be providing you with the compensation they’re now trying to thrust upon you at the 11th hour.

Where, exactly, is this compensation coming from? This is a valid question because everyone would like to receive a raise on a regular basis. However, companies have wage and salary guidelines that they must follow. Does accepting this counter offer basically guarantee that you won’t be receiving a raise for a long time? Taken in that context, staying at the company hardly translates into a benefit for you, especially if other factors (company culture, co-workers) were also behind your decision to leave.

What will happen if I decide to stay? This is another question not many people consider, and they should. Instead, they’re blinded by the attractiveness of the counter offer. You have to entertain the very real possibility that your co-workers may resent the fact that you were given a raise or company perks. As a result, they may also resent not being recognized for their efforts the way you were. This could put you in a very stressful situation with your colleagues, which could compromise your job performance.

There’s also another risk involved in accepting a counter offer. You’ve already tendered your resignation and given your two weeks’ notice, which is basically an indication of your general unhappiness at the company. If you stay, there’s a chance that management will regard you with a measure of suspicion. Consequently, you could conceivably be passed over for promotion or training in the future. Management might conclude that it’s only a matter of time before you eventually leave. And the numbers back up that conclusion. Statistics show that 72% of people who accept a counter offer leave their employer within one year.

The good news is that counter offers are a sign of a recovering and growing economy. That means there are many more opportunities for you to advance your career than there were a few years ago. The market is becoming more and more of a candidate’s market. As a result, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of any situation. During the next three to five years, candidates in all industries will be highly sought after. It will be an exciting time in the marketplace, and you should do all that you can to position yourself for future success. That includes determining whether or not a counter offer is a friend—or a foe.