Workforce Strength

A skilled workforce structured around the agricultural value chain.

Why is the AgWorks Corridor's workforce a competitive advantage?

What makes the AgWorks Corridor's workforce unique?

How does the region develop the next generation of agricultural and manufacturing talent?

Why does workforce concentration matter when choosing a business location?

How do education and research institutions strengthen the workforce?

How does the AgWorks Corridor help companies recruit and retain skilled employees?

What industries benefit from the region's specialized workforce?

How does workforce strength support long-term business growth?

The AgWorks Corridor’s agricultural ecosystem is growing significantly faster than the nation, with employment increasing 23.6% from 2020 to 2025, and projected to add nearly 3,800 more jobs by 2030. This sustained growth reflects a mature agricultural economy spanning production, processing, manufacturing and technology, creating a workforce with deep industry expertise and transferable technical skills. The region's concentration of agriculture-related industries provides companies with access to a broad labor pool that supports both established operations and emerging technologies. 

Construction site with people wearing safety vests and helmets, concrete surface being poured, and building framework in the background.

767

Establishments

Two women working at a workstation in an industrial or manufacturing setting, surrounded by blue bins filled with small parts and tools.

Establishments increased by 338 over the last 5 years

37,294

Jobs

Jobs increased by 7,119 over the last 5 years. Projected to increase by 3,764 over the next 5 years

1.66

concentration

Regional job concentration is 1.66 times the national job concentration.

$41.0K

Below the national earnings

Regional earnings are $94.0K per job, while the national earnings per job are $135.1K

Workforce by Subsector

Growth

2025 Employment Concentration


Animal Health

+36%

1.84X


Ag-Tech

+34%

1.30X


Industrial Biosciences

+18%

2.84X


Agricultural Equipment

+11%

1.65X


Food Processing

+16%

3.66X

Map showing locations of employees in animal health-related fields across the Lincoln-Omaha-Council Bluffs region, with different sized circles representing various employee count ranges, highlights Omaha, Lincoln, Syracuse, Fremont, Blair, and Council Bluffs.

Why it Matters

Companies benefit from access to specialized labor, established workforce pipelines, and industry experience that reduce hiring friction and support  operational growth.