Agricultural

Technology
Matthew LaVoy

History
Originated in the Fertile Crescent around 8,500 BC
McCormick invented the reaper
Jethro Tull invented the first seed drill
Over 200 years ago, close to 90% of the population
lived on farms
In 1940, one farmer could only feed on average 19
people

Present and Future Technology

Only 2% of our population feeds the rest of our country
and the world
One farmer can feed up to 155 people in one year
Genetically modified seeds are able to withstand
droughts and diseases
A farmer can cover many more acres in a quicker
amount of time
Unlike other careers, Agriculture is always in need of
labor

Instructors and their Knowledge

40 years from now, the population will near 9 billion
Food production needs to increase 70 percent to keep
from a famine
Farm land is decreasing rapidly
Producing more with less is important
Educating students and getting them interested in the
Agriculture

Animal and Plant Systems

The U.S. is number 1 in producing beef and 2nd in
exporting beef
U.S. is the second largest producer for pork
Dairy milk is produced in all 50 states

Career Requirements
At minimum, an Associates Degree is required for any
basic level job
A masters or doctoral degree, for supervising and
conducting research
Can participate in local FFA to get a jump start on
education
Career opportunities:

Agronomist
Farmer/rancher
Seed analyst
Water and soil specialist

Local Careers
Local Elevator
Feed Mill Operator
Custom Applicator

Local Family Farm

Regional Careers
Crop Production Services (CPS)
Seed Representative/Consultant
Equipment Sales Manager

National Careers
Chicago Board of Trade
Monsanto
Dekalb
Pioneer

Sources
Capper, J. L., Cady, R. A., & Bauman, D. E. (2009). The environmental
impact of dairy production: 1944 compared with 2007. Journal of Animal
Science, 87, 2160-2167.
State, B. (2012). Plant Systems - Career Pathways - FFA New Horizons.
Retrieved October 12, 2016, from
http://www.ffanewhorizons.org/career-overview-plant-systems/
Swan, N. (2016). Five Major Challenges Facing North American
Agriculture. Retrieved October 12, 2016, from
http://seedstock.com/2012/04/18/five-major-challenges-facing- northamerican-agriculture/
What is Agriculture? (2015). Retrieved October 11, 2016, from
http://www.monsanto.com/improvingagriculture/pages/a-brief- historyof-agriculture.aspx