Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources is a dynamic industry. Agriculture is also closely linked with careers in management, natural resources, and environmental science. Agriculture is the nation's largest industry, employing 20% of the nation's workforce. When most people think of agriculture, they often picture raising cattle and growing crops. Only a small percentage of the agricultural jobs are directly related to animal and food production, while the largest percent of careers involve agriculture-related science, sales, and services. Texas agriculture employs 790,000 people, having a $65 billion impact on the economy. The high school agriculture program helps prepare students for all occupations in the industry.

The main focus of the program is to prepare students to become leaders of the future. One may prepare for a career in animal science, horticulture, food processing, agriculture business, environmental technology, or agriculture mechanics.

The program can also prepare students for careers related to managing natural resources such as ecology, forestry, fish and wildlife, and parks and recreation.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS WITHIN THIS CAREER CLUSTER

Financial Manager, Animal Nutritionist, Water Environment Manager, Agriculture Communications, Floral Designer, Welder/Fabricator, Marine Biologist, Farm Manager, Veterinarian, Wind Energy Technician, Meat Processor, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Forest Conservation Worker, Biotechnology Technician, Agri-Business, Agri-Sales, and Entrepreneurship.

National FFA Organization/Motto.

The FFA motto gives members 12 short words to live by as they experience the opportunities in the organization. Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.