Cran Career Spotlight: Agricultural Scientist
Overview
Agricultural scientists work directly with farmers to develop and execute research that will benefit the industry. Agricultural scientists also work closely with farmers throughout the growing season, helping to identify and address problems with insects, diseases, and horticultural management. They conduct field and laboratory research, provide on-farm diagnostic services, and are always available to their growers as a direct point of contact for crop production concerns.
What is this career like?
This is an exciting, dynamic discipline with a lot of opportunity and the ability to grow by working directly with farmers. Growers work hard every day to produce the food that we rely on, and this career gives you the opportunity to use your professional training to support them in this critical work. Work is conducted both outside in the field and inside in the lab, and the agricultural scientist gets to enjoy the diversity of daily work that comes with the unpredictability of each growing season. Some examples of things that I often find myself doing are:
Getting a phone call, text message, or email from a grower with a question over what to do about a problem they see on the marsh. For example, a grower might have a problem with a particular insect. I identify what might be going on and provide a management solution that the grower can deploy immediately.
Receiving requests to visit a farm to provide a second opinion for a production issue that a grower is experiencing. For example, a grower might notice that a patch of vines in an otherwise healthy bed is dying out and want the cause identified. During the production season my phone is always ringing, and it is my job to make sure I am available both over the phone and if necessary, in person. Whenever asked of me, I make trips out to any marsh that requests a visit, examine the issue, and discuss viable options with the grower.
Designing and executing research that addresses specific issues that growers are observing in the field. This is a key part of the job, as we are a direct line from the field to the lab. It is my job to do my best to keep the industry one step ahead of the next big problem by designing research that provides directly applicable information to growers about production concerns.
Writing educational/informational resources that are distributed directly to growers during key parts of the growing season as well as giving talks and presentations to groups of farmers on research and production topics throughout the year.
Helping growers navigate proper usage of agricultural fertilizers and pesticides, including rates, timings, pre-harvest intervals, and safety towards beneficial insects.
What skills are needed?
Observational skills. One of an agricultural scientist’s greatest assets is their ability to rapidly come to practical conclusions through observation of patterns in the field.
Interpersonal skills. Agricultural scientists work directly with farmers both remotely and in person every day. Being able to approach each interaction as an opportunity to help and to understand is a key skill, and the ability to work respectfully with people under high-stress situations is also important.
Analytical skills. Agricultural scientists are constantly conducting research and collecting data. Interpreting and visualizing data in a way that is easily understood by growers is a critical skill.
Adaptability. Agriculture is a challenging and diverse discipline - even the most seasoned professionals are wrong about things sometimes, things don’t always go to plan, and that’s ok. It is a key skill to identify times you don’t know the answer or have been incorrect in a diagnosis, learn from the opportunity, and move on.
What education/training did I need for this job?
Training to become an agricultural scientist is lengthy, but absolutely worth the effort. Part of the reason the training is so extensive is that agriculture is an extremely diverse discipline, and in order to help a farmer with the full scope of a production season one must first understand the various elements of what can go wrong and how they can be remedied. A minimum of a B.S. and M.S. are typically necessary, and many agricultural scientists also carry PhD’s. I went through 6.5 years of formal schooling at the University of Wisconsin while I earned my B.S. (Horticulture) and M.S. (Plant Pathology) before I got my first job opportunity as an agricultural scientist. During my schooling I took coursework in a diversity of agricultural disciplines including entomology, horticulture, soil science, agronomy, genetics, chemistry, plant pathology, botany, plant physiology, and statistics. I also trained as a summer intern during that time span in several capacities, learning about fruit and vegetable crops production in the field by working at two different UW agricultural research stations. I worked as a fruit extension educator/researcher at Michigan State University for several years after I finished my schooling at the University of Wisconsin, furthering my professional training and working directly with the farmers in that industry. In total, I schooled, trained, and worked for nearly a decade before I was hired here at Ocean Spray, but I have no regrets and would highly recommend this path to anyone. My job is awesome, and the schooling and training along the way was extremely interesting and enjoyable! Here’s a quick list of the schooling and training you would generally need to become an agricultural scientist.
Bachelor’s degree (common disciplines include Horticulture and Agronomy)
Master’s degree (common disciplines include Horticulture, Plant Pathology, and Entomology)
PhD in one of the previously mentioned disciplines is possible, though not always required
Several summer internship experiences in agricultural research/production
Post-educational professional experience (not required for entry level positions, but often necessary for advanced opportunities)