Agriculture Career Pathway

What is the Agriculture Career Pathway?

The Agriculture Pathway focuses on preparing students for careers in the planning, implementation, production, management, processing and/or marketing of agricultural commodities and services including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products. It also includes related technical and educational services. Strands within the pathway include: Animal Science, Plant Science, Natural Resources & Environmental Services, Power, Structural and Technical Systems and Agribusiness. Career and Technical Centers in New Hampshire offer curricula in each of the above strands that lead to post-secondary programs or immediate employment.

What are the career opportunities and employment outlook?

Careers in the Agriculture Pathway are many and diverse. A few of the more than 350 careers include: floral designers, waste water treatment plant operators, fish & game officers, pet store managers, international agri-marketing specialists, marine biologists and landscape architects. As the world population increases and markets continue to globalize, demand for agricultural products as well as concern for the protection and management of natural resources will continue to provide for new employment opportunities. Advances in biotechnology and aquaculture will create careers in the plant and animal sciences. Careers in the power, structural and technical support systems are expected to grow at an average rate in the next ten years. Although the trend toward consolidation into fewer and larger farms and ranches will continue, growth in small agribusinesses such as greenhouses, landscaping services, groomers and animal caretakers, will continue to provide employment opportunities. The number of multinational agribusinesses is rising as developing nations improve their economies. Prospects for employment will be excellent for those who have knowledge of international economics, language skills and an understanding of different cultures.

What are the core courses?

A strong background in the life sciences in addition to the Agriculture Career & Technical Programs is strongly recommended for those students pursuing the Animal and Plant Science and Natural Resources & Environmental Services careers. Anatomy & Physiology is suggested in the Animal Science strand. Business electives are encouraged for those interested in Agribusiness. Courses in computer programming are the suggested electives for those studying Power, Structural & Technical Systems.

Joe Compagna

Alvirne High School

The Post-Secondary and School-to-Career Connections:

The New Hampshire Community Technical College offers students the opportunity to receive college credit in approved courses within the pathway through the Project Running Start program.

Students have many opportunities for real-world work

experience through high school Agriculture Programs and

through the National FFA and the American Welding

Society. Several Career and Technical Centers provide dog

grooming to the general public as well as rabies clinics.

Floral and aquaculture shops are also included in some

programs where students are able to work in all aspects

of industry: making and selling floral arrangements,

raising and selling tropical fish.

Sandra Esparza

Dover High School

Students have the opportunity to work on small and large animals in the classroom, local farms and in the case of Alvirne High School, an onsite working farm. They sell

a variety of plants through their school greenhouses.

Students have the chance to do internships in related businesses in the community – in floral shops, pet shops, saw mills, veterinary clinics, and engine mechanic shops.

Through community service projects such as clearing recreation fields, selling Christmas trees and doing oil changes at car shows, students in Agriculture programs use their knowledge and skills to benefit their communities.

What students say about the Agriculture Career Pathway:

“The Agriculture classes are very interesting because we’re either out on the farm, competing through FFA or going on field trips to businesses. I’ve already been accepted into the Veterinary Technology Program at NHCTC and I’m looking forward to learning more about small animal care.”

Erin McCarthy, Seacoast School of Technology

“I’ve gained a lot of experience in the Welding Program at SST. I plan to further my education in either HVAC at NHCTC or as an electrician’s apprentice. The students from the different areas of the Agriculture program get along really well and we feel like an extended family.”

Jeremy Peterson, Seacoast School of Technology

“The Agriculture Program has really prepared me for the Conservation Law Enforcement program at Unity College where I will be going next year. Animal & Plant Science is my favorite class: the academics, the hands-on experiences and the friendships I’ve made.”

Colleen Long, Seacoast School of Technology

More Information:

Kathleen H. Totten, Director

Tech Prep Consultant for Agriculture

320 Corporate Drive Tel: 603.433.1964

Pease International Tradeport Fax: 603.334.6308

Portsmouth, NH 03801 E-mail: admin@erpartnership.org