Essential Hard Skills in Agricultural Careers 

Agriculture Business

1. Financial management and budgeting

2. Marketing and sales strategies for agricultural products

3. Data analysis for market trends and production planning

4. Agricultural law and regulations

5. Record-keeping and inventory management

Agriculture Mechanics

1. Welding and fabrication (MIG, TIG, Arc welding)

2. Equipment operation (tractors, loaders, and harvesters)

3. Engine repair and maintenance

4. Hydraulics and pneumatics systems

5. Electrical wiring and circuit troubleshooting

6. Blueprint reading and technical drawing

Agriscience

1. Laboratory techniques (e.g., pH testing, water quality testing)

2. Data collection and analysis in experiments

3. Biotechnology applications (e.g., genetic modification techniques)

4. Soil sampling and testing

5. Understanding agricultural ecosystems and sustainability

Animal Science

1. Livestock management and handling

2. Feed formulation and ration balancing

3. Animal health monitoring and veterinary procedures

4. Breeding techniques and genetic selection

5. Disease prevention and biosecurity practices

Ornamental Horticulture

1. Plant propagation (cuttings, grafting, seeding)

2. Landscape design and maintenance

3. Irrigation system installation and repair

4. Pest identification and integrated pest management (IPM)

5. Greenhouse operation and management

Plant and Soil Science

1. Soil fertility testing and amendment recommendations

2. Crop planning and rotation strategies

3. Irrigation scheduling and water management

4. Identification and control of weeds, pests, and diseases

5. Precision agriculture tools (e.g., GPS mapping, drones)