Study Overseas

Back to the Future could very well describe careers in agriculture. Today, agriculture has expanded to include many interesting and challenging vocations. The following are careers that can be found under the agricultural umbrella:

Veterinarians provide health care, ranging from preventive medicine to diagnosis and treatment of diseases or injuries, for pets and farm or other animals. They advise pet owners about feeding, behavior, and breeding, and consult with farm or ranch owners and managers regarding production, feeding, disease prevention and eradication

Veterinary technologists and technicians work under the supervision of a veterinarian and assist in providing medical care to animals. They prepare and administer injections and medications; dress wounds; take vital signs; prepare animals and instruments for surgery; and perform laboratory tests.

Animal caretakers provide basic care for animals, and feed, water, bathe, groom, and exercise those under their charge. Their duties may vary depending on the type of establishment in which they work.

Animal breeders use knowledge of genetics to select and breed animals. Responsibilities include feeding, watering, and housing of breeding animals, and maintaining weight, diet, and pedigree records.

Nursery and greenhouse workers cultivate the plants used in landscaping projects by preparing nursery acreage or greenhouse beds for planting, and watering, weeding, and spraying trees, shrubs, and plants.

Landscape contractors coordinate and oversee the installation of trees, flowers, shrubs, sod, benches, and other ornamental features. They implement construction plans at the site, which may involve grading the property, installing lighting or sprinkler systems, and building walkways, terraces, patios, and fountains

Landscape Architects perform environmental impact studies, plan and design the arrangement of flowers, shrubs, trees, walkways, fountains and other decorative features for parks, shopping centers, golf courses, etc.

Agricultural scientists study farm crops and animals and develop ways of improving their quantity and quality. They improve crop yield and quality with less labor, control pests and weeds more safely and effectively, and conserve soil and water. They research methods of converting raw agricultural commodities into attractive and healthy food products for consumers.

Food scientists work in the food processing industry, universities, or the Federal Government, and help meet consumer demand for food products that are healthful, safe, and convenient. They develop better ways of preserving, processing, packaging, storing, and delivering foods and according to industry and government regulations.

Food technologists generally work in product development, applying the findings from food science research to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution, and use of safe, nutritious, and wholesome food.

Agronomists and crop scientists increase productivity and study ways to improve the nutritional value of crops and the quality of seed. Crop scientists study breeding, physiology, and management of crops and use genetic engineering to develop crops resistant to pests and drought.

Entomologists conduct research to develop new technologies to control or eliminate pests in infested areas and prevent the spread of harmful pests or insect-borne diseases to new areas, as well as technologies compatible with the environment.

Soil scientists study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. They study the responses of various soil types to fertilizers, tillage, waster water treatment, and crop rotation.

Animal scientists work to develop better, more efficient ways of producing and processing meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. Dairy scientists, animal breeders, and other related scientists study the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals. Cell research, grading livestock, food products, technical sales or marketing are related careers.

Livestock production includes establishments that raise livestock, such as beef cattle, sheep, and hogs; dairy farms; poultry and egg farms; and farms, such as apiaries (bee farms) and aquaculture (breeding and raising fish), that raise animal specialties.

Dairy farming requires outdoor and indoor work. Workers feed cows, heifers, and calves, clean their stalls, and take them outside to pastures for exercise and grazing.

By 2050, the world will have a peak population of 8.5 billion people or more, all of them demanding high-quality diets for their kids (Agricultural Education Magazine, Dec. 2000, p.4)

Article submitted by
Dr. Robert Yapsuga, Dean, Enrollment Management, Delaware Valley College, Doylestown, PA http://delval.edu/cms/index.php. Career information supplied by USA Jobs. www.usajobs.opm.gov