Ag Mechanics & Technology
Luis works on a large farm. During planting season, multiple tractors, planters, and irrigation systems must run continuously, but a sudden equipment breakdown threatens to delay operations.
Equipment Operator/Mechanic
Sam works at a research center. Farmers are experiencing crop losses due to a new strain of fungal disease.
Agricultural Biotechnologist
Emma in a rural county, receives several calls from local farmers struggling with soil erosion and declining crop yields. She decides to organize an on-site workshop to address these issues.
Cooperative Extension Educator / Extension Agent
Taylor works for a company that sells seeds, fertilizers, and farm equipment. She notices that some local farmers are unsure which products will work best for their specific soil and crop conditions.
Ag Sales Representative
Carlos is managing a mid-sized farm that grows corn and soybeans and raises a small herd of cattle. He faces challenges from unpredictable weather, fluctuating market prices, and labor shortages.
Farmer
Jordan works on a large row-crop farm. The farm wants to maximize yields while reducing input costs, but managing fields efficiently is challenging due to varying soil conditions and crop needs.
Precision Ag Technician
Dr. Colin works helping farmers reduce environmental impact while maintaining crop productivity. Many local farms are struggling with nutrient runoff affecting nearby waterways.
Environmental Agronomist
Mr. Johnson at a high school, notices that some students are struggling to stay interested in traditional classroom lessons about plant science. He designs a hands-on project where students grow vegetables in the school greenhouse.
Agricultural Education Teacher / FFA Advisor
Jake works at a local grain factor that serves several area farms. During harvest season, farmers bring in large amounts of corn and wheat, and it’s Jake’s job to make sure the grain is stored and managed properly.
Grain Elevator or Co-op Worker
Jordan works on a large crop farm. The farm uses modern equipment, irrigation systems, and soil sensors, but farmers need help managing and interpreting the data to maximize efficiency.
Farm Technician
Taylor works on local farmers have expressed the need for more efficient planting and harvesting machines to reduce labor and increase productivity.
Agricultural Equipment Designer / Engineer
Riley works for a regional agricultural agency. She assists farmers and landowners in implementing practices that protect soil, water, and wildlife habitats.
Conservation Technician
Sarah is blank for the local FFA chapter. She notices that many middle and high school students are interested in agriculture but lack opportunities to learn outside the classroom.
Youth Program Coordinator
Maria works with farmers for an agricultural insurance company. Many local farmers are worried about unpredictable weather, pests, and market fluctuations that could ruin their crops.
Crop insurance
Alex works helping farmers apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides safely and efficiently. Farmers often lack the specialized equipment or training to apply chemicals correctly.
Custom Applicator
Jordan works as an Agricultural Automation Technician. Farmers want to optimize water use and reduce labor by using automated irrigation systems and sensors.
Irrigation Technician
Dr. Patel is working with a group of local farmers who have noticed declining crop yields despite using the same planting practices as previous years.
Agronomist/Soil Scientist
Alex works as an Agricultural Specialist for a regional agricultural organization. He notices that many residents in the community are unaware of local sustainable farming practices and their benefits.
Agricultural Outreach & Communications Specialist / Public Engagement
Dr. Lee, is asked by a state farmers’ association to help farmers make informed decisions about which crops to plant next season. Farmers are unsure due to fluctuating prices and supply chain challenges.
Agriculture Ecoimist
Payton works on a dairy farm. The farm wants to improve milk production while keeping the herd healthy and minimizing disease.
Livestock Manager
Compare the impact of agriculture technology careers (like Precision Ag Technician) with traditional farming careers. What are the benefits and challenges of each?
Agriculture technology careers benefit from innovation, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making but require technical skills.
Traditional farming careers involve hands-on crop and livestock management but may face physical labor challenges and market risks.
Both contribute to the agricultural industry but in complementary ways.
Why is leadership development a key component of FFA, and how does it benefit members in their future careers?
Leadership development teaches members communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills. These skills help members succeed in careers, community roles, and personal growth.
Define the term “supervised agricultural experience (SAE)” and give an example.
An SAE is a hands-on agricultural project completed outside of regular classroom instruction. Example: Raising a small herd of goats or managing a school garden.
Compare the roles of an Extension Agent and an Agricultural Educator. How do their responsibilities differ, and how might they work together?
Extension Agents provide research-based education to the public and farmers.
Agricultural Educators teach students about agriculture in classrooms or labs.
They can collaborate by having Extension Agents provide workshops or resources that support classroom learning.
Your FFA chapter is planning an educational outreach day for local middle school students. How would you design activities to teach them about agriculture while keeping them engaged?
Use hands-on activities like planting seeds, soil testing, or simple animal care demonstrations.
Include interactive games or competitions related to agriculture.
Break groups into small teams for personal attention.
Provide clear explanations and relate activities to real-life agriculture careers.
Gather feedback to improve future outreach events.