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Section 4 Technological Contexts
farmers can grow vegetables and other
plants in the middle of a desert.
Managing an artificial ecosystem
entails collecting facts to plan, organize,
and control processes, products, and
systems. Operating such a system neces-
sitates absolute control and cultivation.
Temperature, nutrients, light, water, air,
circulation, waste recycling, and moni-
toring of insects all require management in
order for the system to function well.
Quality
Control in
Agriculture and
Biotechnology
Quality control is critical in agri-
cultural technology and biotechnology.
Organizations such as the U.S. FDA regu-
late technology in the agricultural and biore-
lated industries. The U.S. FDA regulates
Career Highlight
Agricultural Managers
The Job: Agricultural managers manage the daily activities of
farms, ranches, nurseries, and other agricultural establishments.
Their activities deal with running the farm, rather than performing
actual production activities. Agricultural managers hire and supervise
workers, who perform the production tasks. These managers
determine what crops to plant, oversee production activities,
hire workers, assign duties to workers, and oversee
maintenance activities.
Working Conditions: They spend time in the office
and in the field, supervising workers. Work for livestock-
farm managers is continuous throughout the year. Crop-
farm managers usually work long hours during the planting
and harvesting seasons. During the rest of the year,
they have a reduced work schedule as they plan for next
season’s activities.
Education and Training: Growing up on a family
farm was once the major training program for farmers and
farm managers. The increasingly complex scientific and
business aspects of farming, however, require advanced
education from community colleges or universities. Many
younger agricultural managers hold a bachelor’s degree in
business, with a concentration in agriculture. Additionally,
they often need farm- or ranch-work experience.
Career Cluster: Agriculture, Food & Natural
Resources
Career Pathway: Agribusiness Systems