Because of the highly technical nature of modem agribusiness, many of these technicians perform specialized tasks that require a high degree of skill and knowledge. Thus, a solid understanding of applied mathematics and science is becoming essential in this job field. Technicians must be able to apply the appropriate scientific principles to their work in the laboratory or on the farm. In addition, good communication skills are necessary because most agricultural technicians work as part of a team or supervise other technicians and work crews.
Technicians in the field of agriculture have many opportunities for advancement. Those working on farms or related business may become farm managers or owners, managers of cooperatives, or sales managers. Technicians working in government can advance to inspector or supervisory positions, while those working in the laboratory can receive additional academic training and become professional agronomists.
Related Occupations
- Agronomist
- Agricultural Equipment
- Technician
- Soil Conservation Technician
- Seed Production Field Supervisor
- Biological Technician
- Disease and Insect Control
- Farm Crop Production Technicia
- Farm Sales Representative
- Field Inspector
- Plant Propagator
- Agricultural Inspector
A career as an agricultural technician requires a two-year technical or community college program in agriculture. There are many such programs throughout the country, especially in farming areas, which offer a specific degree in agricultural technology. Students should have a good high school background in mathematics and science, and possess the desire to learn many of the technical aspects of the agricultural field. It is also helpful and quite typical for students to have prior experience working on a farm or in other agricultural capacities.
A typical first-year program in agricultural technology includes courses like introduction to soil science, algebra or calculus, introduction to chemistry, animal husbandry, English, entomology, and introduction to computers. Second-year programs include such courses as agricultural economics, plant pathology, math, science, advanced soil science, and computer applications. Many community and technical colleges encourage or place students in summer internship programs for hands-on experience. Check with your school for job placement programs after graduation.
Special Certification
There are no special certifications for this occupation.
Setting
Like agronomists, agricultural technicians work primarily in rural locations under a wide variety of conditions. In general, they should be in good physical condition and enjoy working outdoors. Farm technicians work on the planting, cultivating, and harvesting schedule, which requires them to work long hours during critical stages of crop production. Researchers work both indoors in laboratories, where working hours are regular, or in the field, where hours and weather conditions may vary considerably. Those involved in sales may spend a considerable amount of time traveling, often far from home.
Employment Statistics And Major Employers
While the number of American farms has been on the decrease for the last 50 years, the job outlook for agricultural workers with technical expertise is quite good. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for agricultural technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 due to an expected growth in scientific research and development and the continued development of highly technical agricultural systems. The largest percent of agricultural technicians work in the farm product, production, and distribution industry, and the farm servicing and supplying industry. Most research technicians worked for government, colleges and universities, or for private research and testing services.
Salary Statistics
Salaries for agricultural technicians vary widely depending on a number of factors. Laboratory research technicians and office workers typically receive higher salaries than technicians working on the farm. In addition, salaries vary according to the geographic area in which the technician is working. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual earning for all science technicians, including agricultural technicians, was about $24,700 in 1990; the middle 50 percent earned between $17,700 and $32,000 per year. Ten percent earned less than $13,700, and 10 percent earned more than $42,000. Agricultural technicians working on the farm typically receive wages at the middle and lower end of the above salary scale, but often receive food and housing benefits that can be the equivalent of several thousand dollars per year.
Sources Of Further Information
- American Society of Agronomy 677 South Segoe Rd. Madison, WI 53711
- Cooperative League of the U.S.A. 1828 L St., NW Washington, DC 20036
- Future Farmers of America National FFA Center RO. Box 15160 Alexandria, VA 22309
- National Grain and Feed Association 725 15th St., NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005
