|
|
|
Career: Agriculturist |
|
|
An agriculturist is a scientifically trained expert in agriculture. A farmer, agricultural technician and agricultural scientist who use their knowledge of agriculture to produce food and fibres, can all be seen as agriculturists who work together in a team.
Agriculturist scientists apply their knowledge of Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics to agriculture and try to improve production and the means of production. They communicate new ideas to farmers and technicians.
An agricultural technician processes the information from the agricultural scientist so farmers can use it. They advise farmers on farming methods. Sometimes they are also involved in agricultural research. Farmers use existing knowledge to produce food and fibres without harming the environment. Training, counselling and research are important tasks of an agriculturist.
Agriculturists can specialize in various fields such as agronomy, biochemistry, zoology, physics, genetics, soil science, entomology, agricultural extension, agricultural meteorology, botany, dairy science, animal science, agricultural economy, agricultural engineering, pasture science, oenology and wildlife management.
The agriculturist concerned with crop science investigates field crop problems and develops new and improved growing methods to obtain higher yields or better quality. They may specialize in a specific crop, group of crops, production, weed and pest control or irrigation.
The agriculturist concerned with animal science conducts research on animals, and develops scientific methods of breeding, caring for, and managing farm animals. They specialize in certain types of animals, their breeding, physiology, or nutrition or the products of animals such as meat, butter or eggs. |
|
|
Some satisfying aspects of this career |
- being able to solve problems
- being able to utilize resources fully
- being able to work without supervision
- working with other people
- working outdoors. |
Some demanding aspects of this career |
| - a results-driven career, with time and other pressures; and the success of projects often depend on making the correct recommendations |
Requirements |
An agriculturist should:
- be interested in soil, plants and animals;
- have an aptitude for biology;
- be able to communicate with people;
- be practical;
- display scientific interest;
- be enthusiastic and responsible;
- have perseverance. |
School Subjects |
National Senior Certificate with matric exemption for a degree course.
National Senior Certificate for a diploma course.
Grade 10 Certificate (preference is given to a Senior Certificate) for a diploma at an agricultural college.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: Mathematics, Physical Science
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: Biology, Economics |
Training |
Formal training in agriculture is available at four different levels, namely schools, agricultural colleges, universities of technology and universities
School: Certain secondary schools offer Agriculture as a formal subject. There are also special agricultural schools where the students are obliged to take one or more agricultural subjects. These schools usually have a farming unit with enough agronomical and animal material for demonstration and training purposes. At most agricultural schools the subject choices are such that matriculation exemption can be obtained.
Agricultural Colleges: There are many agricultural colleges offering training in different branches of agriculture. Subjects that can be taken are: Biochemistry, Agronomy, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Entomology, Soil Science, Genetics, Homology, Agricultural Meteorology, Zoology, Horticulture, Oceanology, Plant Pathology and Poultry Science.
Note: studying at an Agricultural College will NOT lead to registration as an Agriculturist. |
Employer |
- Department of Agriculture
- commercial organizations such as manufacturers of agricultural remedies
- animal food manufacturers
- industrial companies
- government and private research institutes
- colleges and universities
- organizations like the CSIR and National Parks Board and SABS
- control boards and agricultural unions
- co-operatives
- large farming undertakings
- self-employment - as consultants, advisors and farmers |
Contact |
Agricultural Research Council
P O Box 8783
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 427-9700
Fax: (012) 342-3948
Department of Agriculture
Private Bag X250
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 319-7328
Director: Human Resources
National Department of Agriculture
Private Bag X116
Pretoria, 0001 |
|
| www.arc.agric.za |
|
|
Please
wait.