Agriculture Foods Natural Resorces

Agriculture, Foods &

Natural Resources

The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster is all about growing, making, and sharing the things we need to live. This includes the food we eat, the wood for our homes, and even clean energy sources.

People in this field work in many different places. Some work on farms growing crops or raising animals. Others work in labs creating new types of food or testing soil. Some protect our forests and wildlife. Others use new technologies, such as drones, to help farmers grow better crops.

Why This Field Is Growing:

More people want organic and healthy food
We need clean energy sources like biofuels made from plants
New technology is making farming more innovative and efficient
Climate change means we need experts to help protect our environment

Cool Technology in Agriculture:

Drones that can monitor crops from the sky
GPS systems that help tractors plant seeds perfectly
Apps that tell farmers when to water their crops
Robots that can pick fruits and vegetables

In Virginia alone, this field employs over 400,000 people! Jobs in environmental engineering, veterinary technology, and conservation science are expected to grow even faster in the coming years.

Farming

Agriculture Administration

Soil and Water Conservation

Veterinary Technician

What They Do: Vet techs are like nurses for animals. They help veterinarians take care of pets, farm animals, and wildlife. No two days are the same when you're helping animals feel better!

Daily Tasks:

Watch animals for changes in how they act or feel
Help prepare animals for check-ups or surgery
Give animals their medicine and shots
Take X-rays to see inside animals' bodies
Keep records of each animal's health
Comfort scared or hurt animals
Teach pet owners how to care for their animals

What's Cool About This Job: You get to help animals every day and work with the latest medical equipment. Plus, you'll never be bored because every animal is different!

Agricultural Drone Pilot

What They Do: These pilots use high-tech drones (like flying robots with cameras) to help farmers grow better crops. They fly over farms to take pictures and collect data that helps farmers make decisions.

Daily Tasks:

Fly drones over farms to take detailed photos
Use special cameras that can see plant health
Create maps showing where crops need water or fertilizer
Analyze data to help farmers solve problems
Work with farmers to plan the best flight paths
Maintain and repair drone equipment

What's Cool About This Job: You get to use cutting-edge technology while helping feed the world. It's like being a pilot and a scientist at the same time!

Food Scientist

What They Do: Food scientists are like detectives who figure out how to make food taste better, last longer, and be healthier. They might create new snack foods or find ways to package food so it stays fresh.

Daily Tasks:

Test new recipes and food combinations
Study how different ingredients work together
Make sure the food is safe to eat
Create new flavors and textures
Work in labs with special equipment
Design packaging that keeps food fresh
Research nutrition and healthy eating

What's Cool About This Job: You could invent the next popular snack food or help solve world hunger by creating nutritious foods that last longer.

Start in Middle School:

Take science and math classes
Join 4-H or FFA clubs
Visit local farms or agricultural centers
Try the Virginia Education Wizard career assessment

Continue in High School:

Join FFA (Future Farmers of America) - one of the largest student organizations in Virginia!
Take agricultural science or animal science CTE courses
Participate in agricultural competitions and county fairs
Get internships at farms, veterinary clinics, or food companies
Take dual enrollment classes in agriculture or biology
Attend agricultural summer camps or programs
Learn to operate farm equipment safely
Get certifications in areas like pesticide application or animal handling
Job shadow veterinarians, farmers, or agricultural scientists
Participate in agricultural research projects
Visit Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Technical Training (1-2 years):

Jobs: Farm Equipment Operators, Landscaping Workers, Animal Care Assistants
Average Salary: $28,000 - $35,000

Community College (2 years):

Jobs: Veterinary Technicians, Agricultural Technicians, Environmental Technicians
Average Salary: $33,766 and $47,671

Four-Year College:

Jobs: Agricultural Engineers, Food Scientists, Environmental Scientists, Farm Managers
Average Salary: $83,000 - $90,000

Advanced Degrees:

Jobs: Veterinarians, Agricultural Research Scientists, Environmental Engineers
Average Salary: $115,000 - $125,000

Try It Out!

Visit a local farm or farmers market
Take care of a pet or a school garden
Shadow someone who works in agriculture
Join your school's environmental club

Fun Fact: Did you know that Virginia farmers grow everything from peanuts to Christmas trees? Agriculture is Virginia's largest private industry!