Farm Crop Production Technicians

Students who grow up on farms have the best opportunity to explore this field, but living on a farm is not the only way to check out this work. You can also join the local branch of the National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America) or a local 4-H club. The National FFA Organization, which is open to students aged 12 to 21 who are enrolled in agricultural programs, offers a wide variety of activities, including career-development programs. These groups will give you the opportunity to work on farm projects and meet professionals in the field.

You may also be able to obtain work experience on farms during the summer when extra labor is always required for planting, detasseling, and harvesting. During postsecondary training, heavy emphasis is placed on supervised occupational experience.

If you are between the ages of five and 22, you might also want to join the National Junior Horticulture Association, which offers horticulture-related projects, contests, and other activities, as well as career information. Visit http://www.njha.org for more information.

Other ways to learn more about this career include participating in information interviews and job-shadowing experiences with farm crop production technicians; getting involved in summer exploration programs in agriculture and related fields that are offered by colleges and universities; and participating in competitions that are offered by SkillsUSA and other organizations.