When you hear the words agriculture and forestry, you probably think of farming and logging. However, these make up only a small percentage of the industry. Today, there are approximately 22 million agriculture, fishing and forestry employees and this number is continually rising. So what kinds of careers are available in this field? What kind of education is required?

Agriculture and forestry as an industry is concerned with obtaining food and raw materials from plants and animals. Fields include farming, fishing, forestry, ranching and science. There are many career choices available in each of these fields.

Farming involves growing and harvesting plants to use for human consumption. Careers in farming include farm workers, farm management, crop dusters, pest control and equipment operators. While a degree in any field is a good idea, farming careers usually have low entry requirements.

The fishing field under the agriculture and forestry industry involves the process of catching fish and shellfish by nets and traps. Positions available in the fishing field may relate to the operation of a fishing vessel, such as a captain or first mate, or the process of fishing itself, such as fisherman or fish cleaners.

Forestry occupations fall into one of three major categories, which are government, industrial and consulting forestry. Government foresters maintain government-owned forests and parks. Industrial foresters work in the private sector and obtain limber and other related materials for their employers. Consulting foresters usually work as researchers or supervisors. They advise businesses on how to harvest forests or consult on how to increase business.

The process of raising animals for meat or another animal-based product falls under the ranching field. Ranching jobs include managers, workers, animal trainers, nutritionists, equipment operators and breeding technicians. Many careers in this field require a bachelor’s degree, but others, such as workers or animal trainers, require little experience or offer on the job training.

Agriculture has a high demand for science-based fields. Other careers include horticulture and food science, which involves the process of making food healthier and easier to grow.

The agriculture and forestry industry encompasses a multitude of different fields. Anything involving the production of food or harvesting of organic materials falls under this industry. Careers available are steadily rising and are not expected to taper off for many years, if at all. Overall, the agriculture and forestry industry offers steady and reliable jobs with minimal entrance requirements in many places.