Agricultural and Food Scientists
Additional Information
Duties
Agricultural and food scientists typically:
- Experiment with field crops and farm animals to improve yield and sustainability.
- Improve food processing, packaging, and delivery methods.
- Examine ways to improve soil composition and how it affects plant growth.
- The study's findings should be shared with scientists, food producers, and the public.
- You must travel between facilities to supervise new projects.
Agricultural and food scientists are vital to the nation's food supply. Many of them are involved in basic or applied research and development. Basic research seeks to understand the biological and chemical mechanisms that support crop and livestock growth. Applied research improves the quality, quantity, and safety of agricultural products.
Many agricultural and food experts are left to develop their own ideas and research methods with little supervision. They often supervise or lead research teams of technicians or students. Agribusiness and food scientists may need to travel between jobs.
Agriculture and food scientists include:
Animal scientists primarily study domestic farm animals. Studies on food production include animal genetics and nutrition. Their goal is to produce meat, poultry, eggs, and milk more efficiently. Animal breeders can use crossbreeding to improve animal productivity or other traits. They advise farmers on how to improve animal housing, reduce mortality, increase growth, and improve livestock quality and efficiency.
Food scientists and technologists conduct research by studying food's constituents. Nutritionists research the nutritional value of food, new food sources, and ways to make processed foods safe and healthy. Food technologists often use food science research findings to create new or improved food selection, preservation, processing, packaging, and distribution methods. Some food scientists are using problem-solving techniques from nanotechnology to build sensors that can detect pollutants in food. Another group of food scientists enforces government laws by inspecting food processing facilities for hygienic and waste management standards.
Plant scientists advise farmers on best practices to increase agricultural yields. They may discover new ways to control pests and weeds.
Soil composition affects plant and crop development, which soil scientists research. They also study the effects of soil treatments on crop yield. Their innovations in soil conservation and management can benefit farmers and loggers. Because soil science and environmental science are intertwined, soil scientists strive to ensure environmental quality and efficient land use.
Food producers, farms, and processing plants frequently hire agricultural and food scientists. Food quality or inspection standards may improve. They work in a laboratory or in the field as a result of their work. Pharmaceutical companies use biotechnology to create medications and other medical items. Agri-Products like corn ethanol can be used to make fuels.
Agricultural and food scientists are working hard in universities to improve animal and soil health, nutrition, and food quality. They write grants to organizations like the USDA or the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund their research. Teachers of agriculture and food science at colleges can be found in the profile of postsecondary instructors.
Federal agriculture and food experts study animal welfare and ways to increase food and crop yields. Their primary clinical trial and research subjects are animals and plants.
Agriculture and food scientists can publish their findings in peer-reviewed scholarly journals.
Education
Every state has at least one land-grant college. Other colleges and universities offer agricultural science degrees and courses. Soil and plant scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in agriculture or a closely related field like biology or chemistry.
Undergraduate food and soil scientists typically study biology, chemistry, botany, and plant conservation. Food science courses include chemistry, microbiology, food engineering, and food processing. Students interested in soil and plant science should take courses in pathology, soil and insect chemistry, plant physiology, and biochemistry.
Internships and research opportunities that emphasize cooperation often provide excellent training for agriculture and food science undergraduates. Humanities and computer science courses are also recommended for improving communication skills and familiarizing with standard software and databases.
Many people with a bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences work in fields that are closely related. A bachelor's degree in agricultural science is required for jobs in agriculture, ranching, agricultural inspection, farm credit, feed, fertilizer, seed, and agricultural equipment manufacturing and sales. A degree in agriculture and food science, combined with business education, may be a good foundation for farm and ranch management. For more information, see the profile on agricultural managers.
After earning a bachelor's degree in applied food sciences or agricultural sciences, many students pursue advanced degrees in applied fields like toxicology or dietetics. For a PhD in agriculture and food science, students may benefit from studying a more basic discipline like biology or chemistry. Graduate students are encouraged to conduct original research in laboratories. They can conduct experiments and supervise undergraduates.
Modern science includes genetics, animal reproduction, agronomy, and biotechnology. Skills in statistical analysis and experimental design are required in advanced coursework for Ph.D. candidates.
Several agricultural and food experts have DVM degrees (DVM). Just like a PhD in animal science, a DVM applicant needs a bachelor's degree.
Important traits
Communication ability Agricultural and food scientists must be excellent communicators. The results of research must be reported, including what was learned, how it was reached, and any repercussions. Technicians and student assistants must also be able to communicate effectively.
Analytical skills Experts in agriculture and food must use their expertise to address a study topic.
Knowledge of data analysis. Experts in agriculture and food use quantitative surveys to collect data. Now the researchers must interpret their data and find answers to their questions using basic data analysis techniques.
Mathematical aptitude Mathematical skills are important for all scientists, but especially for those working in agriculture and food.
The ability to focus. Agronomy and food science experiments use precise sample measurements and other data. A blunder could lead to incorrect or inconclusive results.
Certification and Licensing
Some states require a soil scientist's license. The most common requirements for licensure are a bachelor's degree in soil science, supervised research experience, and passing an exam.
Pay
In May 2020, agricultural and food scientists had a median yearly salary of $68,830. If half of the people in a profession make more than the median wage, and half earn less, we say that the median wage is too high or too low. Between the bottom 10% and the top 10%, there was a wide disparity in income.
Job Projections
Agriculture and food scientists are expected to see a 9% increase in employment between 2020 and 2030, which is roughly the same rate as the average for all vocations.
