Jobs, Careers and Occupations

Agriculture Careers, Jobs and Occupations

Agriculture

Agriculture companies and organizations produce, grow, raise, harvest, process, store, market and/or sell food and other crops and livestock. Occupations include agricultural scientists, agronomists, veterinarians, crop insurance managers, feed sales personnel, farm equipment personnel and farm managers.

Agriculture is made up of the following sectors:

• Livestock
• Dairy
• Cropping

The type of farm farmers operate determines their specific tasks.

On crop farms - farms growing grain, cotton, and other fibers, fruit, and vegetables - farmers are responsible for preparing, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying and harvesting. After the harvest, they make sure the crops are properly packaged, stored or marketed.

Livestock, dairy and poultry farmers must feed, and care for the animals and keep barns, pens, coops, and other farm buildings clean and in good condition. They also plan and oversee breeding and marketing activities.

Horticultural specialty farmers oversee the production of ornamental plants, nursery products - such as flowers, bulbs, shrubbery, and sod - and fruits and vegetables grown in greenhouses.

Aquaculture farmers raise fish and shellfish in marine, brackish or fresh water, usually in ponds, floating net pens, raceways, or recirculating systems. They stock, feed, protect and otherwise manage aquatic life sold for consumption or used for recreational fishing.

Agricultural managers manage the day-to-day activities of one or more farms, ranches, nurseries, timber tracts, greenhouses and other agricultural establishments for farmers, absentee landowners or corporations. Their duties and responsibilities vary widely, but are concentrated on the business aspects of running a farm. On small farms, they may oversee the entire operation, while on large farms they may oversee a single activity, such as marketing. Agricultural managers usually do not perform production activities; instead, they hire and supervise farm and livestock workers, who perform most of the daily production tasks. In these cases, managers may establish output goals; determine financial constraints; monitor production and marketing; hire, assign, and supervise workers; determine crop transportation and storage requirements; and oversee maintenance of the property and equipment.

Agriculture Related Industries

• Biotech / Biology