Agriculture can seem like an intimidating subject to learn about, but the truth of the matter is that it’s actually easy to understand when you know the right things to pay attention to.
Keep reading and learn 10 Things You Need to Know Before Studying Agriculture in the university. So you can become an expert on all things farm and field in no time at all!
1) There is a lot of science involved
The best way to start your education is by choosing an area of study. From there, you’ll need to decide whether you want a bachelor’s or graduate degree.
A bachelor’s degree will take four years and a graduate degree will take two years.
It’s also important to know that many colleges require pre requisite courses such as college algebra, organic chemistry, and calculus before they accept students into their agriculture program.
A Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science (BSAS) from University of California Davis, for example, can lead to careers in plant breeding, plant pathology and entomology.
2) The industry is constantly changing
The agricultural industry is one of the most dynamic in the world, and it’s constantly changing.
The entire industry moves at a rapid pace, so understanding the trends can be tricky.
If you’re going into this field, it’s important that you understand what you’re getting into and what’s expected of you.
For example, there are three types of farmer profiles: family farms, corporate farms, and small-scale farms.
Family farms are much like they sound they involve more than one generation living on the farm and operating it together.
Corporate farms usually have a larger management team than other types of farming as well as machinery for bigger operations.
Small-scale farmers usually work alone with only their family for help or use less technology than other farmers do.
3) There are many different types of agriculture
There are many different types of agriculture. For example, crop production is the cultivation of field crops such as corn and soybeans.
Dairy production is the process of raising cows for milk, cheese, butter and other dairy products.
Animal husbandry is the breeding and raising of animals such as sheep, cattle and pigs for meat or wool.
Horticulture is the growing, harvesting and processing of fruits, vegetables and other plants for food, medicine or decoration.
4) You will get dirty
If you’re an agriculture student, you will get dirty. Your hands will be covered in dirt, your clothes will have mud on them, and there’s a good chance your hair will end up with straw stuck in it.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sitting at the dinner table with dirt on your clothes just as much as the chair itself.
The agronomy major is really difficult.
5) There is a lot of physical labor involved
Agricultural studies are an excellent way of becoming a farmer. One thing that many people don’t realize is how much physical labor is involved.
Farmers must be able to physically work in the sun for hours on end, and carry heavy loads.
If you have any problems with your back or legs, this may not be the best career choice for you.
These jobs also pay less than most other professions because they are considered manual labor.
That being said, there are plenty of opportunities for workers to find an agricultural job where their body can do the work more comfortably and get paid more for it.
The field has opened up quite a lot over the last century so if you think about it, there’s never been a better time to become a farmer!
6) You need to be comfortable with technology
If you’re considering studying agriculture, you should be aware that the work is not only physical but also technology driven.
Farmers need to use their knowledge of science and math, along with technology such as GPS and computers, in order to grow crops.
This means that being comfortable with using technology is a must before embarking on this career path.
There are many different types of jobs within agriculture:
Though most people think that farmers are solely responsible for growing food, there are actually many different types of jobs within agriculture including agricultural engineers and chemists.
7) You need to be able to work long hours
Agriculture is a demanding career, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Farmers are usually on call 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
They work in a variety of environments including outdoor fields and greenhouses as well as indoor livestock barns and processing plants.
And they are often required to be on their feet for long periods of time.
8) You need to be able to handle stress
It’s never a dull day in the agricultural industry. There is always something happening, and it’s usually stressful!
If you’re not used to stress then this might not be the right industry for you.
It’s difficult but rewarding work, and if you’re up for it, then there are some things you need to know before studying agriculture. You need to be willing and able to handle stress well.
9) You need to be able to work independently
If you want to study agriculture, you need to be able to work independently. There is no one that is going to hold your hand through the process.
This includes everything from planting, harvesting and everything in between.
Some people will not be able to handle this type of lifestyle, but if it’s something that you’re interested in then you should definitely consider giving it a shot.
10) You need to be able to think critically
With agriculture being one of the more popular areas of study in college, it’s important that you know what you’re getting yourself into.
To help, we’ve compiled a list of 10 things you need to know before studying agriculture.
There are many different specialties within the field of agriculture. The two most popular are crop production and animal science.
The typical college degree is a Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences with a major in either crop production or animal science.
