Plant experts
Career alert!
When you look at your current crop of students, do you ever think about who they will be and what they will do when they are grown? Could some pursue work in agriculture or science? Or combine those fields to become an agronomist? How about exploring this important ag-related profession?
Connect this information to Ontario Farming STEMterprise, Stage 1: Becoming a Plant Expert.
Job: Agronomist
An agronomist studies plants and deals mainly with plants that farmers grown in their fields. They have expert knowledge on in field plants, soil and land management and water resources. And their work is very important to sustainable farming.
What do agronomists do?
Agronomists usually focus on plants that farmers grown in their fields. They are the link between the researchers and farmers, and are the experts in the science of soil management and crop production. Agronomists are involved in a lot! They advise farmers on techniques to protect environmental sustainability, produce healthy grains and improve their farm business profits. They monitor soil characteristics, water levels and how water drains from the fields so that healthy plants grow. Agronomists help farmers care for their fields and crops!
Why do we need agronomists?
Agronomists are important because humans and animals need plants for food and oxygen as well as for making things, like clothing, medication, lotion, food wraps, and much more.
Agronomists are also important for plant conservation and management. They teach farmers about things such as how soil erosion affects plants and can be prevented. They also advise farmers in sustainable practices like crop rotation practises or cover crops.
Where do agronomists work?
Where agronomists work depends on their area of specialization. They work in the fields of agriculture across Ontario but can be found in offices, universities, and private organizations.
How do you become an agronomist?
To become an agronomist, you need to go to university and earn a degree in agronomy, horticulture, environmental management, botany, agriculture. Many agronomists are so fascinated with their work that they continue learning and working in this career for their lifetime!
Teachers! Some of you have asked for interesting stories from farmers and others who work in agriculture. Check out these online resources from AgScape!
