Farmer jobs

Being a farmer is just one option available to people interested in pursuing a career in agriculture (although, of course, that is also a very viable career option for those looking to get into the field).

If you are interested in working in agriculture but aren't sure what careers are available to you (or what you need to study to get them), then you don't need to look any further. In this section, we will discuss the leading careers in agriculture today, as well as the skills that are required to be successful in these roles.

Agricultural engineer

In your role as an agricultural engineer, you will work to innovate new farming practices by developing cutting-edge tools and machines with the use of computerized drafting and design software (CAD). You will also utilize the data from the weather and GPS to advise farmers and companies on land usage, examining the influence that the existing practices are having on crops as well as the environment in the surrounding area. You can also have the opportunity to manage agricultural building projects if you take on this profession.

In order to be successful in this position, you will need to have a solid understanding of mathematics, physics, and how to solve problems, in addition to being creative and having the ability to communicate effectively.

Agricultural economist

In your position as an agricultural economist, you will be responsible for applying the principles and theories of both microeconomics and macroeconomics in order to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence economic decisions. For example, you will try to determine why consumers make certain selections regarding the food they purchase and how the government decides how best to assist farmers. You are going to be examining economic data in order to discover and evaluate patterns in the activity of the economy.

Some agricultural economists spend their days in an office, where they do various types of computations and analyses on a wide variety of data. Others spend their time outside, doing research and surveys of land, as well as conducting interviews with local farmers.

Most of the time, agricultural economists operate on their own, but they sometimes need to work along with other economists, farmers, and statisticians. Those who are interested in becoming agricultural economists should pursue a degree in economics if at all possible. A solid understanding of mathematics is required for this position, and you must also be able to evaluate and interpret data in an accurate manner, as well as present it in a way that is both clear and effective.

Farm manager

You will be responsible, in your capacity as farm manager, for supervising the operation of the farm and making business choices while adhering to the constraints imposed by the budget. You will be responsible for marketing the farm's goods and ensuring that they are prepared in time for markets and auctions, as well as arranging for the upkeep and repair of farm structures and equipment. In addition to this, you will be responsible for ensuring that all procedures conform with the requirements imposed by the government and that the required levels of health and safety are maintained at all times.

Because this position will demand you to work in both hands-on chores and administrative responsibilities, you will need to have prior experience in hands-on farming in order to be considered for it. In addition, you will need to have technological expertise. The majority of farm managers also have a degree in an agriculturally-related field, most often agriculture or agricultural engineering.

Scientist of the soil and the plants

In your role as a soil and plant scientist, you will analyze the make-up of the soil in order to determine how it influences the development of plants. Additionally, you will investigate various alternative techniques for cultivating crops (such as genetic modification) in order to achieve the highest possible level of productivity. You will offer this information to food producers in the form of thorough reports to advise them on how to make the most use of their land, including alerting farmers on the types of crops that are most suited.

The majority of plant and soil scientists spend their days either doing research in an office or laboratory, conducting research in an office or laboratory, or collecting samples outdoors on farms to utilize in their studies. In order to test out novel ways of preparing food, soil and plant scientists who specialize in the food industry may find themselves working in kitchens.

Conservation planner

It is the job of conservation planners to evaluate the biological and environmental significance of a piece of land in order to determine whether or not it should be protected or whether or not it should be developed. A report will be drafted by conservation planners informing stakeholders of what they can and cannot do if the land in question is considered to be of insufficient value for construction.

As a conservation planner, some of the day-to-day activities you may be responsible for include setting budgets, finding and assessing any environmental concerns, generating reports, and advocating for environmental management. You are going to play the role of the intermediary between the people who develop the land and the various environmental organizations and the government.

In order to work as a conservation planner, you will need to have experience managing projects, a high level of self-motivation, and excellent organizational abilities. In this position, it would be incredibly beneficial for you to have a degree in environmental science, and you must also have strong analytical abilities.

Commercial Horticulturalist

You will be responsible for managing the whole production process as a part of your role as a commercial horticulturist. This includes supervising the cultivation, harvesting, packing, distribution, and sale of various foods, crops, and plants.

You may be responsible for supervising and training employees, managing programs to control pests and weeds, writing business plans, developing new products, marketing existing products, negotiating contracts with buyers and sellers, and assisting in the sale of finished goods as part of your typical day-to-day activities.

Horticulturists that work in commercial settings are expected to have excellent attention to detail, solid management and communication skills, as well as a significant amount of business acumen.

Agricultural salesperson

If you get a job in agricultural sales, you will be responsible for selling seed, equipment, animal feed, and fertilizer to farmers. You will be required to have extensive knowledge of your product, and you will frequently provide farmers advice on items. You will need to have the ability to pay attention to the requirements of the farmer and then provide product suggestions that are tailored to meet those specifications.

In this line of work, it is essential to possess abilities such as the capacity to form connections that may last for a long period of time, as well as the ability to persuade others and extensive product knowledge. If you are interested in pursuing a profession in sales, earning degrees in sales and marketing would be incredibly beneficial for you.