Introduction

Agronomists are multidisciplinary plant and soil scientists who use their knowledge of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, ornamental gardening, and landscaping to co-create a world rich in natural resources…a greener and cleaner planet for all sentient beings.

Also Known As

• Agriculturist
• Agronomer
• Agronomy Research Manager
• Agronomy Specialist
• Apiculturist
• Arboreal Scientist
• Arboriculturist
• Arborist
• Botanist
• Corn Breeder

Typical Job Responsibilities

What do Agronomists do?

An Agronomist would typically need to:

• Prepare and manage crop improvement and increased production plans while maintaining environmental sustainability, safety, and quality.
• Create and manage land development and landscape design projects for agricultural land and forests.
• Production planning and management in agricultural businesses, fruit and vegetable farms, livestock holdings, and agri-food companies
• Execute land-use planning and green space management (agriculture, forests, and urban environments) in accordance with applicable laws.
• To make recommendations to growers for efficient crop production, and ensure accurate knowledge or reliable referrals.
• In the event of changes in soil texture, soil sample fields may include multiple depth sampling, geo-reference sampling, and multiple site sampling.
• By scouting customer fields for weeds, insects, disease, and nutritional issues, you can manage field trials, plant physiology, and irrigation practices.
• Ensure that seeding, fertility, and pesticide applications take place when the weather conditions are ideal.
• Create new or improved methods or products for weed control, crop disease control, or insect pest control.
• Gather, compile, analyze, and interpret test results, and prepare progress reports as needed to assist with crop claim issues.
• Document the evaluation of seeds, chemicals, specialty products, and fertilizers in the field.
• Be familiar with and capable of using laboratory testing equipment for plant and agri-food products (for chemical, physical, and biological tests).
• Maintain the validity of agricultural, agri-food, livestock, forestry, and environmental quality certifications by staying current on crop nutrition and protection technology.
• Provide agronomic training to sales and marketing personnel, as well as assistance with agronomic budgeting and cost monitoring.
• Provide management and technical consulting services to businesses and other organizations, as well as professional agricultural products and technology sales.
• Contact suppliers, applicators, and Agronomy laboratories.
• Develop new seeds and cultivate them through aquaculture and desert farming.

Standard Work Environment

The Senior or Chief Agronomist or Agricultural Scientist oversees the work of an Agronomist. The work is varied and dynamic, and it bears little resemblance to a typical office routine.

Except during inclement weather, agronomists have the advantage of being able to spend the majority of their time outside. A large portion of an agronomist’s work is done outside, in open fields, consulting with farmers, or conducting plant and animal research. They also spend time in offices writing reports or studying and conducting research in testing laboratories. Some agronomists may have to travel.

An Agronomist’s attire is determined by his or her location and industry. For office work, business casual attire is recommended. Work in the fields and laboratories would necessitate special clothing.

Work Schedule

Working hours for agronomists vary depending on the type of work, but they are generally more consistent for laboratory-based work. Seasonality is a significant factor in an Agronomist’s job, with most fieldwork taking place during a specific time of year. As a result, greater flexibility is required when working in the fields or directly running a business. Changes in the weather, production demands or contract duration may dictate working hours, and you may end up working more than 40 hours per week.

Employers

Farmers and small businesses can hire agronomists as independent consultants. They can also put their knowledge to good use in their farming practices. Agronomists with advanced degrees can teach in agricultural colleges. College placement offices and government employment offices can both assist with job placement.

Agronomists are generally employed by:

• Medium to Large-Scale Farms
• Crop & Seed Production Companies
• Fertilizer Manufacturing Companies
• Crop Protection Companies
• Government Agencies
• Research Firms
• Environmental Organizations
• Agricultural Service Companies
• Agricultural Land-Maintenance Companies
• Higher Education Institutions

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional associations and organizations are an important resource for Agronomists who want to further their professional development or connect with other professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more of these organizations looks great on your resume and helps to strengthen your credentials and qualifications as an agronomist.

Suggested Work Experience

To be an Agronomist, you must have a high level of skill, knowledge, and experience. Typically, you will need two to four years of prior work experience in a related field. Experience in farming or conservation work, even if part-time or seasonal, is a big plus.

Recommended Qualifications

To become an Agronomist, you must have an accredited technical diploma or a bachelor’s or master’s degree in agricultural science, environmental science, food science and technology, agricultural biotechnology, veterinary science, Agronomy and crop science, agroecology, and sustainable agriculture, viticulture and enology, or plant sciences.

Agrarian sciences, animal husbandry, forestry science, plant genetics, meteorology, phytopathology, botany, chemistry, biochemistry, hydraulics, rural appraisal procedures, agricultural buildings, and agricultural law are all covered by a student agronomist. In general, employers prefer candidates with a Ph.D

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration.

Agronomists can obtain certification from authorized professional organizations that recognize agricultural and food science expertise. An Agronomist may be required to be licensed by a specific professional body, depending on the law in the country where they are based.

By investigating individuals who violate the program’s Code of Ethics, successful certification programs serve and protect the public welfare. They contribute to the future of a profession by gaining trust and respect.

Projected Career Map

An agronomist with strong technical knowledge and planning skills may advance from consulting to management positions such as Production Manager, and then to running a whole farm, nursery, or livestock holding.

An Agronomist’s alternative career path could include specializing, for example, in improving and developing agricultural processes and practices such as sowing, planting, harvesting, and irrigation. They may concentrate on sustainable development and organic farming, or they may assist farmers and livestock breeders in developing profitable and environmentally sustainable techniques and methods.

An agronomist may go on to become a Research Scientist, studying productivity, crop genetics, storage methods, or agri-food product strategies. They may specialise in environmental protection, soil conservation techniques, and the control of desertification, soil erosion, and pollution.

Agronomists may choose to work as Technical Sales Representatives in agricultural marketing and sales.

Beneficial Professional Development

Agronomists may require some on-the-job training, but it is generally assumed that you already have the necessary skills and work experience.

As an Agronomist, you may also be required to know how to use analytical or scientific software, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and analytical or scientific software tools such as 3dMapper and Autodesk AutoCAD (Automatic Computer-Aided Design).

A postgraduate degree in crop science and management, animal technology, or agricultural technology would be beneficial for career advancement. To complete a teaching qualification, you may decide to teach agriculture or a related subject. It is also possible for an agronomist to pursue postgraduate studies in fields such as journalism, marketing, or business consulting. Agronomists in top management positions must have business analysis, financial planning, and accounting skills in addition to agricultural knowledge.

Conclusion

Working with and for the environment is one of the primary reasons you would choose to become an Agronomist…if natural resource conservation goes wrong, nothing else will go right.

Advice from the Wise

Ease and security – are these the drugs that alleviate men’s minds’ constant challenge? Do nations, like men, become drowsy when well-fed and physically comfortable? The global food security challenge is so large and complex that no single type of organization can solve it.