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Elon Musk's space agency is hiring a farmer

Elon Musk's space agency is hiring a farmer

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Hot on the heels of the recent Star Wars teaser, SpaceX is announcing that it is looking to hire a farmer in McGregor, Texas. To qualify, potential applicants must have a minimum of 10 years of experience, comprehensive knowledge of John Deere agricultural equipment, no fear of enclosed spaces, and the ability to work at least 50 hours a week. Unfortunately, nothing has been said about terraforming on Mars, never mind moisture farming on Tatooine.

Agriculture speculates that SpaceX's decision to hire an agronomist is rooted in budgetary concerns rather than an interest in interplanetary colonization. The state allows companies to request exemptions from sales taxes by purchasing agricultural equipment. Land used for farming purposes is also taxed at a lower rate. Working alongside SpaceX's rocket test facility, the farmer will be responsible for performing "practical farm activities," finances to maintain farm progress, and more. While the job posting might initially seem indicative of a future in extraterrestrial produce, the reality is grounded in more down-to-earth concerns.