Agricultural jobs are at the very heart of the world’s food management system, growing the right crops and rearing animals ready for mass consumption.
Described as ‘the science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products’ (Oxford Languages), agriculture is vital to maintaining our ecosystem.
But how do you secure a future in agriculture? What are the steps to take to make this dream come true?
Keep reading, as we’ve got the answers…
There are many pathways to pursue within the agricultural sector, with popular sectors including:
- Organic farming and sustainable agriculture: working with nature, rather than against it. Organic produce has become increasingly popular in recent years, buyers knowing that the products have had minimal human interference, nature just being allowed to do its thing. Sustainability is vital in ensuring the safe future of our planet, farming methods that may be faster or more ‘productive’ can be cruel and damaging to both animals and land.
- Livestock management: learning how to correctly care for livestock animals such as cows, sheep, pigs and poultry. Roles in this sector will teach you the fundamentals of working in the farming industry, livestock systems and how to deal with animal disease and health issues.
- Viticulture: get your glasses ready with the production of wine! But there is more to this grown-up grape juice than meets the eye. Wine-making is an intricate and extensive process, starting right from soil biology and ecology, pest control, vine management and growing grapes appropriate to their environment, all the way to vineyard management and culture.
Starting a career in agriculture and securing your future
Perhaps you have green fingers? Do you love being outside? Do you care about farm animal care and maintenance? The passion is there, but maybe you’re not quite sure where to channel it?
One of the best ways to focus on your chosen pathway, obtain all the knowledge and experience you will need and get a leg up on the career ladder is by taking online courses on agriculture.
We have put together a little guide to some of our best agriculture courses online, making it easier for you to focus on what interests you. Whether you have previous experience or are looking for farming courses for beginners, we have something to suit everyone.
For those who are confident caring for crops:
Certificate in Viticulture
If you are all about wine, this could be the course for you. Students will be provided with a broad introduction to the scope of the viticultural industry (both relevant to Australia and internationally) with in-depth instruction in regards to soil biology and ecology, selection of appropriate grape varieties for local environments, vineyard establishment and vineyard culture and maintenance. This includes the installation of new grapevines to pest, disease and weed control, to setting up irrigation and adequate nutritional systems; right through to setting up research programs to improve vine productivity, harvesting of produce and lastly wine production.
One of the best courses to try if you are new to the agricultural industry. The key areas of knowledge discussed in this course relate to the overall strategic planning and business management of Australian farming businesses, broadacre agronomy and agricultural marketing, with a strong focus on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to either run or play a supporting role in farm management as well as, in a commercial agricultural business.
For those who care for all creatures great and small:
Proper animal care is one of the more important elements to the agriculture industry. Land-grazing animals are an essential part of the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem – everything works in a cycle, and each part must be correctly tended to and cared for. The key areas of knowledge addressed in the course relate to livestock management in conventional pastoral systems in Australia with a strong focus on developing the skills necessary to analyse and monitor different animal health issues, pastoral growth constraints and several different management structures for livestock systems, as well as, the processes involved with the planning of year to year on-farm operations.
Beef Cattle farming makes up a large part of this industry with Australia boasting some of the finest Beef cattle across the globe. This course will teach not only Beef Cattle but also Farm Management and is ideal for beginner learners, in addition to those who have already completed study in agriculture and farming.
Being one of the more comprehensive and specific Dairy Cattle Farming courses online, this course has been specifically designed from the ground up by industry professionals to put you in good stead to develop a strong foundation of the industry and elevate your expertise above others looking for entry-level employment in this highly competitive industry.
With so many animal-led agricultural careers to choose from, why not opt for a bit of the best of both worlds, and gain the skills needed to properly care for and maintain environments for different species and breeds of animal. This course will teach not only Beef Cattle but also Sheep and is again ideal for beginner learners and those who have already completed study in agriculture and farming.
A course which combines both the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers in beef and dairy cattle farming. Cows are one of the most predominant farm animals in the agricultural industry, and ensuring they are well cared for is of utmost importance.
For the business minded and those who think outside the box:
What is an Agriculturalist you ask? Well, the term Agriculturalist can be applied to a broad range of professions, ranging from crop agronomy to livestock and pasture management, farming, farm management and farmhand work, to agricultural real estate sales, marketing and regional sales management. Agriculturists often have transferable skills and the ability to work in several different areas in the agricultural sector. The future of Australian agriculture is promising, and individuals can use their skills and knowledge to tailor a career to their personal liking!
This course is ideal for individuals who are looking to secure well-paying jobs within the agricultural sector. This refers to individuals who are interested in acquiring the knowledge necessary to successfully operate a commercial agricultural enterprise from a sales-driven perspective, for those looking to upskill their current knowledge in regard to agricultural marketing, product development and extension, and for those looking to take their first steps into this lucrative industry.
In this course, you will learn the skills necessary to not only secure work on a farm but to progress into Farm Management roles – or even start your own business! Learn here how to handle business financials, risk and human resources in relation to farms while also learning about sustainable farming practices.
Probably the most up and coming agriculture course we have on offer. Organic farming works with nature, rather than against it. It recognises the fact that nature has many complex processes which interact to control pests, diseases and weeds, and to regulate the growth of plants.
Sustainability in Agriculture has become increasingly important in recent times. It is no longer sufficient to just be productive, and the cost of production is no longer just thought of in terms of money. The environmental resources of a farm, as well as the financial, must not deteriorate if a farm is to continue to exist into the future.
Studies that secure your future
One of the most beneficial things you can do to boost your career in the agriculture sector is to find a course tailored to your specific interests. We will offer you a structured learning environment in which to access all the skills you will need to pursue your chosen career, and lead you in the right direction for business and employment opportunities.Â
Enrolling with us on some of the most comprehensive agriculture courses in Australia will give you a flying start in your land-cultivation career. Studying online gives you the freedom and flexibility to learn in a familiar environment, working to suit the demands of your schedule and lifestyle.
All of our courses come with a downloadable brochure, providing more information on course content and modules, assessments, online learning and tutor support.Â
If you have any questions about enrolling in one of our agriculture and farming courses, our course consultants are on hand to guide and advise you, getting you to where you need to be.
Start working towards a bright future with My Learning Online’s Agriculture and Farming courses.
