The article evaluates the results of scientific research on the specific features of the formation of qualified labor resources in the agricultural sector. The results of the study conducted by a group of experts from the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia and the SRI Higher School of Economics with the participation of the author in 2017 are compared with the results of similar studies in the period 2018-2020. The article reveals the existing close relationship between social problems in rural areas and the lack of interest in graduates of specialized agricultural higher educational institutions in job placement in their specialty. The work analyzes the negative impact of short industrial practice of students on the agricultural education quality and assesses the consequences of the lack of a modern technological base for conducting practical training in many higher educational institutions, which leads to the unreadiness of graduates for independent work. The possible ways of finding a balance of interests between the regional administration, higher agricultural educational institution, students and business are considered on the example of the activities of the Omsk State Agrarian University named after P.A. Stolypin. The article also highlights the problems in the field of education and obtaining new competencies faced by representatives of peasant (farm) households. In conclusion, proposals are made to solve the urgent problems of agricultural education. Basic provisions: - the job placement of graduates of higher educational institutions in agricultural enterprises is negatively affected by the social problems of the village; - graduates of agricultural universities do not meet the expectations of employers, as educational institutions do not provide sufficient practical knowledge and skills due to the lack of orientation for the practical activities of future specialists; - for representatives of peasant (farm) households, distance education forms and the availability of highly qualified consultants in the field of digital technologies and product promotion are necessary.