More than 50 companies came to recruit students in a career fair on Thursday in the Agriculture Administration Building.The 12th annual Agriculture and Natural Resources Career Fair provided more than 450 students with an opportunity to learn first-hand about companies and get hired in the field of agriculture, said Ray Miller, assistant dean of student affairs.The fair was sponsored by the agriculture and resources department’s placement office with help from Phalanx, a service organization, the student agriculture counsel and agriculture sororities and fraternities. The fair started 12 years ago with 17 participating companies and has grown to 54 this year, he said.”There are many great opportunities to meet potential employers and contacts for the future,” said Lisa First, a senior majoring in food science. “I found out what is available from many companies.”Not only agriculture majors stood to profit from the fair. Because every business has different needs, anyone interested in getting a job could attend, Miller said.”I want to find out information on jobs and find out what companies expect from potential employees,” said Ediva Santago, a junior majoring in environmental science. The companies were given a chance to interact with students and faculty and answer any questions they might have. Many will be holding interviews today in Agriculture Administration Building 100, Miller said. Participating companies include Asgrow Seed Company, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Countrymark Cooperative, Inc., Midwest Consulting Service, Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, Genex, Tractor Supply Company, Golden Harvest Seeds and Nestle USA – Food Division.