When pandemic-related shutdowns began in March 2020, there were concerns about how it would affect the new work force.

Students were set to graduate in a couple of months and businesses were shut down or operating at limited capacity, but the bigger concern in the eyes of Mike Gaul was for the 2021 graduates.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — As technology has advanced, jobs in agriculture have changed. Work on the farm and at agribusinesses has shifted, reflecting greater efficiency, although the value of a skilled workforce remains critical.

Davin Althoff, ag business development division director for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, grew up on a family farm in Moniteau County, Missouri, and still farms there today. He has seen the impact of technology on farm work, whether it is equipment, seed technology or production practices.

GRINNELL, Iowa — The room at Roger Van Donselaar’s farm at the edge of town is full of farmers. They are here for a field day about cover crops sponsored by Iowa State University Extension, among others.

In other words, they are here to learn.

CHICAGO — On the west side of Chicago is a little oasis, a food forest in a formerly vacant lot with tomatoes by the handful and pears and apples ready to pick.

Along with the fruit trees, towering old trees add shade to the ground dotted with tree stump seats for CCA Academy high schoolers to gather to learn or to plan their next project here.