Career And College Prep
Agriculture & Food & Natural Resources
Grow Your Career Options
The field of agriculture and food science has undergone a significant transformation from traditional family farming practices.
Today, innovative methods such as vertical hydroponics and urban agriculture have opened up diverse and exciting opportunities in the industry. Let Idaho Technical Career Academy (ITCA) show you the way!
What Agriculture Career Pathways Are Offered?
Agricultural Communications and Leadership
This pathway will prepare students with technical agricultural knowledge, communication skills, and leadership abilities. They’ll develop the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to generate solutions to global issues in agriculture and rural communities today. Students choose from specialized agricultural communications and leadership classes and select courses from subject areas in animal science and plant & soil.
By graduation, students have developed strong leadership skills and agricultural knowledge to make them innovators in the field.
Courses Offered
Students will gain in-depth agricultural expertise with classes such as:
- Principles of Agriculture
- Food & Natural Resources
- Livestock & Poultry Production
These courses all help students prepare for innovative agriculture careers at the forefront of new agricultural technologies.
Additional core courses, such as interpersonal communications, will also sharpen analytical and problem-solving abilities, equipping students to devise effective solutions for pressing global agricultural challenges.
What types of agricultural career opportunities can my student learn about and prepare for?*
ITCA’s Agricultural Communications and Leadership pathway prepares your student for these high-growth careers.
Note that this is only a sample of the many agriculture career opportunities your student will be prepared to pursue.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of animals including pets, livestock, and other animals. The median pay for a veterinarian was $119,100 per year in 2023, and this career has a projected growth of 20% through 2032.
Agricultural & Food Scientist
Agricultural & Food Scientists research ways to increase efficiency and safety in agricultural establishments. The median pay for an agricultural and food scientist was $76,400 per year in 2023, and this career has a projected growth of 6% through 2032.
Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural Engineers address power supplies, the efficiency of machinery, the use of structures and facilities, as well as pollution and environmental issues. The median pay for an agricultural engineer was $88,750 per year in 2023, and this career has a projected growth of 6% through 2032.
*Some of these jobs require additional education and certifications once a student graduates from high school.
What Could My Student’s Future Look Like in This Career Field?**
While we’ve discussed a few popular agricultural careers, there are many more to explore.
**Data is from Lightcast and is updated frequently.
Building Your Career in Agriculture: Certifications and Exams
Leadership roles in agriculture require more than classroom knowledge and skills. As your student prepares for their career, they should also consider the following certifications and exams:
OSHA 10-Hour Veterinary Certification
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a US Department of Labor agency that sets and enforces standards to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees. The OSHA 10-hour Veterinary Certification establishes foundational knowledge of occupational safety and health standards relevant to veterinary careers.
OSHA 10-Hour Agriculture Certification
The OSHA 10-hour Agriculture Certification ensures that agriculture workers have foundational knowledge of occupational safety and health standards.
BASF Plant Science Certification
BASF aims to create sustainable solutions, conserve resources, ensure nutrition, and improve quality of life while combining economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The BASF Plant Science Certification verifies that individuals have acquired the knowledge and skills required for success in a wide variety of plant, natural, and environmental science careers.
Artificial Insemination Certification
Artificial insemination in animals allows for the selection of superior genetic traits and disease control in farming livestock. An Artificial Insemination Certification for the State of Idaho issued by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is required to practice artificial insemination of domestic animals in Idaho.
Veterinary Assisted Certification
The Approved Veterinary Assistant Designation is a nationally recognized designation created by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. This industry standard proves your credibility in animal care and can increase both your job opportunities and earning potential.
Microsoft Office Specialist
A Microsoft Office Specialist certification in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint*** can help you achieve professional success by helping you stand out to employers, secure employment more quickly, and enhance your productivity.
Intuit QuickBooks Certified User
The Intuit QuickBooks Certified User certification proves that you have acquired the knowledge and skills to effectively use the Intuit QuickBooks Online software in a business environment, whether you choose to open your own business or work for an employer.
***Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
Ready to Get Started?
Kick off your child’s most exciting learning journey yet.