Agricultural technicians are trained for today's highly mechanized and complex farm and agricultural business. Most of them work on the family farm. However, many are employees in related businesses such as: chemical or fertilizer companies, farm machinery dealerships, banks that lend to farmers, credit unions, and insurance companies. Agricultural technicians also work in federal and provincial government agencies and research stations dealing with the agricultural sector.
As an agricultural technician you have the skills needed to run a farm. You know how to seed, control weeds, harvest, store produce and market crops. You can select appropriate crops or livestock for specific soil and weather conditions while taking into consideration current farm market rends. You know enough about mechanics to operate and maintain farm machinery. You also know enough about accounting and management to run a modern farm.
You may decide to focus on any one of these areas. For example, if you develop your ability to repair farm machinery, you may become a farm equipment mechanic. On the other hand, if you concentrate on livestock, you can learn enough veterinary science to keep animals healthy and to recognize disease. This might involve handling injections, birthing, dehorning and castration, and recognizing a situation serious enough to call the veterinarian.
Farming skills are important but you should also be familiar with the broader issues relating to agricultural business and technology. This will make it easier to get a job int he many agricultural businesses that deal directly with farmers. For example, you may find yourself working as a sales person for farm equipment dealers, or as a technician in a chemical or fertilizer company. The work may start out as seasonal or part-time, with the rest of your time spent on your own farm. It's not uncommon, however, for this kind of work to become full-time.
As an agricultural technician, you will need to know how to use a computer. Farmers use computers to keep records and analyze information on both the production and business aspects of their farms. For example, livestock producers use computers to keep track of animals for breeding and animal selection. Dairy farmers use computers to record how much each cow eats and how much milk it produces each day.
Agricultural technicians are usually either self-employed or work for an hourly wage, sometimes with commissions.
You will do well in this career if you are a self-starter who wants to work outdoors. Agricultural technicians often work without supervision, making and carrying out their own decisions.
You will excel in this area if you are inquisitive and ready to learn about new techniques and technologies. You should keep your knowledge up-to-date by talking to other farmers, reading agricultural publications or attending seminars.
Farming is not a nine-to-five job. During the harvest season, farmers must work extra hours, seven days a week, until the harvest is completed. With the many uncertainties involved in agriculture, farming is not for you if you do not like taking risks.