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Agricultural and Food Science Career Information, Training and Education
Agricultural and food scientists specialize in agricultural production and livestock. These professionals rely on their knowledge of chemistry, biology, and other physical and life sciences to increase farm production and develop new food products. They frequently specialize in researching and developing new products for private companies or government agencies.
Food technologists and scientists are employed by food processing companies, government agencies, and universities. They work to develop healthy, good tasting, and easy to prepare foods. These professionals also develop processes to store, package, and preserve food products. Food scientists also develop new food products, test food to determine nutritional content, and develop healthy additives.
Plant scientists specialize in the botanical sciences. Some plant scientists work in agronomy, a botanical science focusing on field crop production. Many specialize in plant reproduction and breeding while some plant scientists focus on entomology, a science focusing in insects. Agronomists and crop scientists attempt to increase agricultural production while protecting the environment, and they study methods for improving food nutritional content. Crop scientists also attempt to find methods for improving seeds and eliminating pests.
Soil scientists specialize in soil composition and the reasons that contribute to agricultural growth in certain soils. They also determine how fertilizers can enhance soil meant for farming, and some participate in soil surveys and soil classification. Many consult farmers seeking to increase crop yields and improve land usage.
Animal scientists develop techniques to improve meat and milk production. Many examine meat for quality and to provide food grades. Others consult farmers about caring for livestock.
Agricultural scientists can be found in labs, offices, test kitchens, and outside. Soil and crop scientists frequently work outdoors while many spend their days in agricultural research facilities and farms. Entomologists conduct field work outdoors or in research facilities.
How do you prepare for this career?
Potential agricultural scientists usually only need bachelor's degree to secure a job, but those wanting to conduct research usually need a postgraduate degree. Those wanting to teach at the college level should complete a Ph.D. program in agricultural science .
Agricultural science programs can be found in a college or university in every state, and various other institutions for higher education offer agricultural science programs or classes .
Individuals interested in animal science careers could enroll in biology, nutrition, reproductive physiology, or animal breeding programs while in college.
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Those desiring to work in food science industries are encouraged to enroll in food microbiology, food analysis, food engineering, food processing operations, and food chemistry courses.
Potential soil or crop scientists should enroll in biochemistry, plant physiology, entomology, soil chemistry, and plant pathology courses.
Professionals in the food and agricultural science industries should have knowledge of common business concepts. Developing an understanding of fundamental statistics and computer skills is also encouraged.
How much will I earn?
Agricultural and food scientists in the 50th percentile of wages made between $37,740 -76,960 annually during 2008. The bottom 10th percentile made $29,620 or less while the upper 10th percentile made $97,350 or more.
How many jobs are there?
In 2006, there were nearly 33,000 food and agricultural scientists in the United States. Likewise, thousands of these professionals worked as university and college professors..
Nearly 14 percent of agricultural and food scientists were employed by government agencies, and some were employed by agricultural service firms. Many worked for prescription drug companies, research facilities, seed companies, food preservative companies, and wholesalers. Just more than 5,000 of them ran their own businesses. .
What is the future outlook for this career?
Job growth for agricultural and food scientists is projected to increase at the same rate as growth in other industries until 2016. Individuals with postgraduate degrees with research experience will enjoy more job opportunities since biotechnology and nanotechnology are up and coming fields of research. Focusing on these new areas of research will improve agricultural production and create solutions to troubling problems.
Even during recessions, there are job opportunities for agricultural and food scientists. Unlike other industries, few of these professionals lose their jobs during economic downturns since food consumption rarely decreases.
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