Agriculture encompasses a wide variety of specialties and techniques, including ways to expand the lands suitable for plant raising, by digging water-channels and other forms of irrigation. Cultivation of crops on arable land and the pastoral herding of livestock on rangeland remain at the foundation of agriculture. In the past century there has been increasing concern to identify and quantify various forms of agriculture. In the developed world the range usually extends between sustainable agriculture (e.g. permaculture or organic agriculture) and intensive farming (e.g. industrial agriculture).
Modern agronomy, plant breeding, pesticides and fertilizers, and technological improvements have sharply increased yields from cultivation, and at the same time have caused widespread ecological damage and negative human health effects. Selective breeding and modern practices in animal husbandry such as intensive pig farming (and similar practices applied to the chicken) have similarly increased the output of meat, but have raised concerns about animal cruelty and the health effects of the antibiotics, growth hormones, and other chemicals commonly used in industrial meat production.
The major agricultural products can be broadly grouped into foods, fibers, fuels, and raw materials. In the 2000s, plants have been used to grow biofuels, biopharmaceuticals, bioplastics, and pharmaceuticals. Specific foods include cereals, vegetables, fruits, and meat. Fibers include cotton, wool, hemp, silk and flax. Raw materials include lumber and bamboo. Other useful materials are produced by plants, such as resins. Biofuels include methane from biomass, ethanol, and biodiesel. Cut flowers, nursery plants, tropical fish and birds for the pet trade are some of the ornamental products.
In 2007, one third of the world's workers were employed in agriculture. The services sector has overtaken agriculture as the economic sector employing the most people worldwide. Despite The size of its workforce, agricultural production accounts for less than five percent of the gross world product (an aggregate of all gross domestic products).
Agriculture Classes and Courses Overview
Agriculture classes prepare students for a variety of careers, including ranchers, farmers, agriculture scientists or horticulture managers. Agriculture courses are found in certificate, associate's and bachelor's degree programs and students learn everything from horticulture basics to how to run a farming business. The following are some of the core courses one might find in an agriculture program.
Natural Resources Course
A natural resources course covers topics pertaining to forestry, soils and wildlife. Students learn about power sources, such as electric motors and combustion engines, as well as government regulations and programs that relate to natural resource conservation. The effects that current power sources have on the agriculture industry and what it means for the future of natural resources and power are also addressed.
Basic Horticulture Course
Horticulture is a science that studies plants, gardening and natural growth. This course helps students develop skills in controlling plant growth and development. Specific topics of study may include plant production, pruning, regulations of plant growth and storage processes. Horticulture courses may also cover marketing concepts in horticulture.
Animal Science Course
Depending on the focus of the agriculture program, animal science classes may focus on all animals or be specific to horses, cows, and other farm animals. Students learn about animal development from a biological standpoint. Specific topics in animal products, animal feeding and animal breeding are also covered. During an animal science course, students learn the history of the animal industry, animal disease and current trends in animal rearing as well.
Soils and Pesticides Course
Agriculture students learn about soils and pesticides to understand the chemical make-up and effect that these elements have on crop growth. A soils and pesticides course covers conservation of water and soil, fertilizer use and soil formation. It is a course that is delivered in lecture and lab format so that students may apply their skills to live scenarios. This course that may also cover soil types specific to the state in which the agriculture program is taught.
Food Systems Course
Whether providing crop or animal food, famers and others in the agriculture business need a strong understanding of the U.S. food system and processes. Students in this course study the U.S. food system as it relates to the current economy, health factors and regulatory laws. Specific topics of study may include political systems, health, environment, food retailing and international food regulations.
Related articles to Agriculture Courses
* Agriculture MBA Programs: Overview of Programs
A Master's of Business Administration (MBA) student in the field of agriculture studies the production and distribution of foods and fibers, and the related business processes. A master of business administration in the agricultural field is often referred to as specializing in either agricultural economics or agribusiness.
* Career Information for a Degree in Agriculture
Agriculture can provide a rewarding career for people who love the outdoors and who like to see tangible results for their labor. People who have obtained a degree in Agriculture might be ready to work in farming or related fields as farmers, crop farm or vineyard managers or range managers. Read more here!
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