Counselors Explore Evolving Agriculture Workforce at Grimmway Farms

Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of Kern County’s economy, providing thousands of jobs and career opportunities across the region. Today, technology is reshaping the industry, creating new opportunities and changing the skills students need to succeed in the workforce. Students can combine traditional education with technical training, hands-on experience, and industry credentials to launch their careers—or forge unconventional paths to success.

To help educators better understand these evolving opportunities, the KCSOS College and Career Programs department connects them directly with local industries.

Through the Kern Counselor Collaborative, a support network for K-16 counselors and advisors across Kern County, educators gain insight into emerging career opportunities and the pathways that connect students to the workforce.

The cohort recently visited Grimmway Farms, the world’s largest grower, producer, and shipper of carrots, headquartered in Kern County. At the company’s Mountain View Road facility, counselors and educators gained a firsthand look at how technology and innovation are expanding opportunities in agriculture.

With 160 distinct farming positions and hundreds more across departments such as HR, finance, IT, marketing, and engineering, Grimmway offers opportunities for students with diverse interests and educational backgrounds.

“What I really love about Grimmway is that it doesn’t matter what the students are studying in school. We will have a job for them, most likely,” said Myra Cash, Talent Acquisition Manager at Grimmway Farms. “Anything from production to farming to finding solutions for farming, marketing or human resources—we have absolutely every job that you can think of.”

April Morris, Learning and Development at Grimmway Farms, encouraged students to remain open to different pathways as they begin their careers.

“All career paths start with the first position,” Morris said. “You just got to say yes to the first job and get going. Check it out. Try it. If you like it, fantastic. If you don’t, don’t hold yourself hostage to it. Move on.”

“One of the most impactful takeaways was seeing how individuals can enter the workforce in an entry-level position and grow into rewarding, long-term careers through the many opportunities for professional development and advancement within Grimmway.”

– Carrie Bloxom, College and Career Programs Coordinator

Counselors and educators joined Brysen Nixon, Director of Farming for California and Nevada at Grimmway Farms, for a look at the machinery, conditions, and physical labor involved in agricultural production. Despite the rain, the cohort experienced the realities of farming in all weather conditions and gained a deeper appreciation for the work required to bring fresh produce from the farm to tables across the country.

Jonae Swisher, a Youth Service Specialist at Bakersfield City School District, plans to share what she learned with PROUD Academy students at Curran Middle School.

“My goal is to introduce them to the wide range of programs, educational pathways, and career opportunities available in agriculture, many of which they may not have considered before,” she said. “I hope this sparks their curiosity, encourages them to explore new interests, and helps them recognize the many possibilities available to them right here in our community.”

Karen White, Vice President of Marketing Operations, and Ariba Siddiqui, Litigation and Compliance Counsel at Grimmway Farms, shared how their varied academic and professional experiences led them to Grimmway, illustrating that there is no single path to a career. Siddiqui had been on track to becoming a doctor before a college public policy class inspired her to pursue law. White previously worked in marketing in the cosmetics industry.

The visit also gave counselors and educators insight into internship and job opportunities they could share with their schools and students.

“Learning about the scale of agricultural production right here in Kern County, along with the growing need for skilled talent to support this evolving industry, reinforced the importance of connecting students to careers in agriculture,” said Carrie Bloxom, College and Career Readiness Coordinator. “This experience inspired us to see farming in a whole new light and recognize the importance of preserving Kern County’s rich agricultural heritage for future generations.”