From Dirt to DNA

Agriscience Applications
What is Agriculture?
Activities concerned
with the production of
plants and animals, and
related supplies,
services, mechanics,
products, processing,
and marketing.
USDA refers to agriculture as….
“Agriculture/
Agribusiness and
renewable natural
resources”.
Another definition is
food, fiber, and
environmental
systems.
Agriscience is……
An applied science because it uses
principles learned in biology, chemistry,
and physics (the basic sciences) in a
practical way.
Examples of Applied Sciences
Agronomy
Uses biology and chemistry to discover new
ways to control weeds in crops.
Entomology
Uses biology and chemistry to study insect
life.
Agricultural Engineering
Uses physics to develop new machinery.
Saw Stop
 Agriscience uses…..THE
SCIENTIFIC METHOD!
The scientific method to solve problems.
The steps to the scientific method are….
Identify the problem.
Review literature.
Form a hypothesis.
Prepare a project proposal.
Design the experiment.
Collect the data.
Draw conclusions.
Prepare a written report.
Why is Agribusiness Important?
Largest “employer” and the largest source of
income in the United States and North
Carolina.
Opportunities in Agriculture
TRUE OR FALSE: Agricultural production is
supported by many more careers
than actually exist in production.
TRUE OR FALSE: For many careers in agriscience,
products & distribution are needed to
grade, transport, process, package, &
market agriculture commodities.
Products, Processing & Distribution
TRUE OR FALSE: Projections show that the average
size of farms in the U.S. will increase
while the number of farms will
decrease.
Opportunities in Agriculture
Twenty percent of all jobs in the U.S. are
agriscience related.
In addition to farming, agriscience jobs help
support farmers to meet the world’s food &
fiber needs.
Areas include:
Production
Processing, products, and distribution
Supplies and services.
World Outlook
The world population will grow as more
people beget more people. (HAVING
BABIES!) 2 FACTORS:
More children are surviving to adulthood.
More adults are living longer.
Population growth will….
Add stress to environmental systems of air,
water, soil, and natural resources.
Create challenges to meet the demands for food
and fiber (clothing and shelter).
Trends for Agriculture/Agriscience
Agriculture will always be an
essential industry.
Increased commercialization
of agriculture will continue.
New types of farming such
as aquaculture (fish farming
and farming the sea) will be
used as well as traditional
farming methods.
Trends for Agriculture/Agriscience
An expanded view of agriculture is necessary.
How will that happen? How is that happening?
7 Divisions of Agriculture
Agribusiness
Agriscience
Mechanics
Agronomy
Animal Science
Biotechnology
Horticulture
Natural Resources
What is Agribusiness?
Commercial firms that have developed with or
stem out of agriculture.
Agribusiness includes….
Farming Horticulture
Chemical company Landscape nursery
Fertilizer dealer Greenhouse dealer
Seed store Horticulture supply
Tractor dealer company

LETS LIST SOME LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT FIT

THESE CATAGORIES!
What is Agriscience Mechanics?
The application of
engineering
principles in
agricultural settings.
Agriscience Mechanics includes….
The design, operation, maintenance, service,
selling, and use of power units, machinery,
equipment, structures, and utilities in
agriscience.
What is Agronomy?
The application of soil and plant sciences to
land management and crop production.
THINGS THAT GROW IN A ROW!!
Areas of Agronomy include….
Crop Science
Soil Science
Turfgrass
Management
Weed Science
Range Management
What is Animal Science?
The care, management, and production of
domestic animals.
Animal Science includes….
Livestock= FARM
ANIMALS
Companion Animals=
PETS
Specialty Animals=
EXOTICS, ZOOS
What is Biotechnology?
The application of
living processes to
technology.
The use of
microorganisms,
animal cells, plant
cells, or components
of cells to produce
products or carry
out processes.
Biotechnology includes these
other areas of science….
Genetics
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Toxicology
Plant Pathology
What is Horticulture?
Involves the
producing,
marketing fruits,
vegetables, and
ornamental plants.
(Green Industry)
Continues to expand
as the standard of
living is raised.
Horticulture includes….
Greenhouse Management
Nursery Management
Landscape Architecture
Plant Physiology
Integrated Pest Management
What are Renewable Natural Resources?
Resources provided by nature that can
replace or renew themselves.
Important both economically and for
posterity’s sake to maintain life.
Agriculture & resources management
will include pollution control.
Natural Resources - Forestry
Timber management
for lumber, poles,
post, plywood, and
etc. is another part
of the agricultural
industry.
Other Examples include:
Wildlife
Water
Fish
Soils
Air
BUSINESS TABLE
GET INTO GROUPS OF 2 AND
IDENTIFY LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT
FIT INTO THE 7 AGRISCIENCE
CATAGORIES.