Virtual Mentor

Agribusiness is the coordination of all activities that contribute to the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing and development of agricultural commodities and resources. This includes food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products and services. Agribusiness is a high-tech industry that uses satellite systems, computer databases and spreadsheets, biotechnology and many other innovations to increase efficiency and profitability...Careers include * Agricultural Supervisor * Farmer/Rancher * Fish Hatchery Manager * Nursery or Greenhouse Manager * Pest Control Worker

People who work in the animal systems pathway work to develop better, more efficient ways of producing and processing meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. They study genetics, nutrition reproduction, growth and development of domesticated farm animals. Some individuals inspect and grade livestock or work in technical sales or marketing. Careers include # Animal Breeder # Animal Caretaker # Animal Scientist # Animal Trainer # Crop/Livestock Manager # Farm and Ranch Animals Farmworker

People who work in the environmental service systems pathway are involved in water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal and public health issues. Environmental engineers and technicians conduct hazardous-waste management studies, evaluate the significance of the hazard, offer analysis on treatment and containment, and development regulations to prevent mishaps. They design municipal sewage and industrial wastewater systems. They analyze scientific data, research environmental projects and perform quality control checks. Careers include * Environmental Engineer * Environmental Engineering Technician * Forest/Conservation Worker * Pest Control Worker * Soil and Water Conservationist

People who work in the food products and processing pathway discover new food sources, analyze food content and develop ways to process, preserve, package or store food according to industry and government regulations. They create new food products to meet consumer needs and inspect food-processing areas to ensure that sanitation, safety, quality and waste management standards are met. Careers include * Food Science Technician * Food Scientist/Technologist * Inspector of Agricultural Product * Meat, Poultry and Fish Cutter

People who work in the natural resource systems pathway perform a variety of tasks from helping to develop, maintain, and manage the forest and natural environment to catching and trapping various types of marine life for human consumption, animal feed, bait and other uses. Forest and rangelands supply wood products, livestock forage, minerals and water; serve as sites for recreational activities; and provide habitats for wildlife. Conservation scientists and foresters manage, develop, use and help protect these and other natural resources. Careers include # Fish Hatchery Manager # Fisher # Forest/Conservation Technician # Logging Equipment Operator # Mining Engineer # Park Naturalist

People who work in the plant systems pathway study plants and their growth, helping producers of food, feed and fiber crops continue to feed a growing population while conserving natural resources and maintaining the environment. Individuals in this pathway also develop ways to improve the nutritional value of crops and the quality of seeds. They use genetic engineering to develop crops resistant to pest and drought.

People who work in the power, structural and technical systems pathway apply knowledge of engineering, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, power, structures, and controls to the field of agriculture. They design agricultural structures as well as machinery and equipment. They develop ways to conserve soil and water and to improve the processing of agricultural products. Employment Outlook Employment of individuals in the Power, Structural and Technical Systems pathway is expected to grow about the same as the average for all occupations through 2012. However, opportunities for agricultural engineers are expected to increase. Increasing demand for agricultural products, continued efforts for more efficient agricultural production and increasing emphasis on the conserving of resources should result in good job opportunities in the coming years.