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What are the Different Types of Agriculture Jobs?
When you think of agriculture, farming may come to mind. However, there are many other types of agriculture jobs. Agriculture jobs are usually divided into different categories, such as agribusiness, agriscience, agricultural inspecting and animal breeding. Certain positions, such as farm and ranch workers, are often trained on the job. However, there are several other agriculture jobs which require specialized training and a college degree.
Agribusiness is one of the main types of agriculture jobs. This occupation involves working in various capacities with businesses who grow, process and sell agriculture products. It may involve farm management, price analysis and marketing. Although it may be possible to work in the area of agribusiness without a college degree, most positions require a four year college degree or higher.
If the science of agriculture is more interesting to you than the business aspect, agricultural science may a good career option. Agricultural scientists work to improve the safety and quality of both crops and farm animals. Scientists often work in research facilities and universities. Entry level positions, such as product developers, require a bachelors degree in agricultural science. Those who want to conduct research or teach at the college level need a masters degree or PhD.
In order to ensure the food we eat is safe, it goes through an inspection process. Agriculture inspectors make sure farms and processing facilities meet all health and safety regulations. They test livestock to make sure they are free from dangerous diseases. Food is inspected for bacteria and other contaminants. Agriculture inspectors are usually hired by state government offices which oversee agriculture.
Developing improved methods to grow crops and raise healthy livestock is part of what agriculture engineers do. Engineers develop more efficient tools for farming, design irrigation systems for crops and work with processing companies to find the most efficient ways to package and distribute food. Agriculture engineers need a bachelors degree or higher and are usually employed by government agricultural departments or food processing businesses.
Another type of agriculture job is an animal breeder. Breeders need to be well educated on topics, such as animal health and genetics. Breeders must also know what foods to feed the animals in order to get healthy offspring. They carefully study the varying traits of different livestock, to determine which animals to breed. Many large animals are breed through artificial insemination and breeders need to understand how that procedure works.
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![Barley, which is often used to feed livestock.]()
By: schankzBarley, which is often used to feed livestock. -
![Some produce must be picked by hand.]()
By: JOsh moatesSome produce must be picked by hand. -
![Farmers are agricultural workers who are directly responsible for producing food.]()
By: ValchoFarmers are agricultural workers who are directly responsible for producing food. -
![Agricultural scientists study crops to improve quality and safety.]()
By: goodluzAgricultural scientists study crops to improve quality and safety. -
![An agricultural engineer may help design a more efficient irrigation system.]()
By: Phillip MinnisAn agricultural engineer may help design a more efficient irrigation system. -
![Computer technology is an important tool in modern farm management.]()
By: auremarComputer technology is an important tool in modern farm management. -
![Animal inspector positions are great agriculture jobs for individuals who love working with animals.]()
By: KadmyAnimal inspector positions are great agriculture jobs for individuals who love working with animals. -
![In addition to raising crops, produce farmers must design careful marketing strategies.]()
By: Goran BogicevicIn addition to raising crops, produce farmers must design careful marketing strategies. -
![There are a number of agriculture jobs in the floral industry.]()
By: Natalia KlenovaThere are a number of agriculture jobs in the floral industry. -
![Farmers may choose to sell produce directly to consumers at local markets.]()
By: Photographee.euFarmers may choose to sell produce directly to consumers at local markets.
Discussion Comments
I have worked as a 'very successful' Agronomist and certified crop advisor for many years starting in the late eighties. I have enjoyed working for small independent agriculture retailers which gave us huge flexibility to serve "farmers" best interests and produce some of the highest quality and most nutritious crops in North America. Unfortunately, genetically modified crops have taken over much of the landscape today. (And farms are becoming corporations, taken over by the huge multinational companies).
I am not opposed to research, and understand GMO's and the basis of their patent-for-profit development. Though this has become destructive and out of control, to the point where politicians have sold-out our farmers rights and are destroying the institution that I love.
Anyone looking for a career in agriculture, if this is your passion,
study heirloom varieties and genetics, using little or 'no pesticides'. ( And yes, its very possible with high production, something the industry doesn't want you to know) and look at 'production and marketing' into niche markets which are lucrative and growing rapidly. There's a reason GMO's are largely banned or require labeling in Europe.--T. Novak
How many years does it take to be a agriculture educator?
@ GiraffeEars- Texas A&M...pft! Come join the real Aggies. UC Davis is the place to be if you want to get a great sustainable agriculture job (the direction agriculture is headed my friend is toward sustainability). UC Davis was originally founded as the farm school for UC Berkley. We are the top agriculture school in a state that knows agriculture. California is synonymous with the best food, dairy, poultry, and beef in the country. We are also light years ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to sustainable and profitable agriculture practices. We may not offer quite as many programs in Agriculture as A&M, but we are the best in every field. Agriculture business and management, biosciences, and economics were the three most popular majors at Davis last year.
@ GiraffeEars- Probably the best school I can think of for agriculture is Texas A&M. The school is ranked number one this year in their agriculture and biological engineering programs, and agriculture is the schools specialty. The school offers degrees in almost every subject related to agriculture you can think of. The University offers agribusiness, farm livestock husbandry, Turf management, food and crop science, and almost any other agriculture specialty degree you can think of. At Texas A&M there are over 20 degree programs in the field.
The school is more selective, but still admits two thirds of applicants. The school is a leader in agriculture research, and it can all be had for state school tuition prices. I think that for an agriculture degree, A&M cannot be beat.
I have been working in agriculture and farming jobs for the last two years. I want to go off to college and study agriculture, but I don't know what types of degrees are offered or what the best agriculture schools are. Does anyone know what agriculture schools are good, and what course of study options I will find?
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