1. Working in the Agricultural Industry
Chapter 1
Working in the Agricultural Industry
The Agricultural Industry • The Power, Structural, and Technical Systems Pathway • Career Planning

2. Agriculture includes the use and conservation of land and water resources and the development and maintenance of recreational resources in both rural and urban areas.
Agriculture is the industry that encompasses the production of agricultural commodities. Agriculture commodities include food, fiber, wood products, horticultural crops, and countless plant and animal products. Agriculture includes the financing, processing, marketing, and distribution of agricultural products and the farm production supply and service industries. The use and conservation of land and water resources and the development and maintenance of recreational resources are important aspects of agriculture. Agricultural environments can be both rural and urban. See Figure 1-1. Agriculture also includes the related economic, sociological, political, environmental, and cultural characteristics of the food system, including health, nutrition, and food consumption.

3. Agricultural mechanics must have the ability to safely work with many different technical and mechanical systems.
Agricultural mechanics must have the ability to safely work with many different technical and mechanical systems. See Figure 1-2. They must also have knowledge of the tools required to work with different materials and fasteners. Different farm applications require the agricultural mechanic to have the ability to design a project for various agricultural structures. An agricultural mechanic must also be able to install, maintain, and operate plumbing, irrigation, and electrical systems. Welding skills are also required when working with agricultural power and machinery.

4. The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. See Figure 1-3. To accomplish its mission, the FFA does the following:
• develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership in students
• increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to individual well-being
• strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work
• promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career
• encourages achievement in SAE programs
• encourages wise management of economic, environmental, and human resources
• helps students develop interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations, and social interaction
…See complete bulleted list on page 8.

5. The PST systems pathway is used to develop knowledge in the agriculture industry.
The power, structural, and technical (PST) systems pathway relates to the operation and maintenance of components, structures, and equipment used by the agriculture industry. The PST system pathway focuses on electrical systems, plumbing systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, mobile power equipment, carpentry, metalwork and welding, concrete and masonry, agricultural structures, and control systems and their use in the agriculture industry. There is also a focus on improving the production of agricultural products while conserving natural resources and environmental systems. See Figure 1-4.

6. Agricultural mechanics must be able to test machines, devices, and equipment for proper operation.
Agricultural mechanics must develop many different types of technical skills in order to maintain a variety of mechanical systems related to agricultural power equipment, vehicles, structures, and related electrical, plumbing, and environmental support systems. See Figure 1-5. Key technical skills for agricultural mechanics include the following:
• using hand tools and equipment to install, position, move, and manipulate materials
• analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution to problems
• estimating sizes, distances, and quantities to determine the materials and resources needed to perform work activities
• maintaining farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors and combine harvesters
• driving vehicles and mechanized equipment such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, mobile irrigation systems, and small aircraft
• inspecting equipment, structures, and materials to identify the cause of defects
…See complete bulleted list on pages 9 and 10.

7. Agricultural mechanics must develop skills in systems such as environmental/natural resource systems.
The FFA Foundation sponsors career development events (CDEs) to help students develop responsibility, foster teamwork, and promote communication while recognizing the value of individual achievements. See Figure 1-6. The Agricultural Mechanics CDE effectively prepares students for the work environment by challenging them to apply their knowledge and skills to a range of interrelated technologies within the following five systems:
• Electrical Systems — AC/DC power, electrical safety, electrical standards, sensing devices, electrical wiring, controls, electronics, motors and other electrical loads, operating instructions, and manufacturer recommendations
• Energy Systems — mechanical power, electrical power, chemical power, wind power, and solar power
• Environmental/Natural Resource Systems — water quality, material compatibility, soil and water conservation, and disposal of waste
• Machinery and Equipment Systems — repair, maintenance, processing, materials handling, and adjustments
• Structural Systems — storage, concrete, plumbing, structural material selection, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)

8. Effective communication skills are used to give and understand instructions, share information, and provide feedback.
An effective listener demonstrates respect by allowing others to speak without interrupting them. Making eye contact with the speaker indicates that the message being conveyed to the listener is important. Effective listeners also summarize what they hear in order to reinforce the message and allow for any required clarification. See Figure 1-7.

9. Basic math skills can be applied to almost any agricultural application.
Basic math skills can be applied to almost any agricultural application. For example, math skills are required to perform most construction projects. See Figure 1-8.

10. Science principles are applied in many agricultural applications such as the combustion of an oxyacetylene welding flame.
Agricultural mechanics students must understand basic science principles. Science can be used to understand many agricultural applications. See Figure 1-9.

11. A professional résumé shows an employer that the applicant is prepared and organized.
A résumé is a concise document listing the education, professional experience, and related interests of a job applicant. A résumé should be brief, factual, and accurate and outline the work experience, skills, and accomplishments that relate to the position being sought. A well-written résumé, with correct spelling and grammar, makes a positive impression and demonstrates to potential employers that the applicant is prepared and organized. See Figure 1-10.

12. Networking may include speaking with company representatives to determine if they have knowledge of open positions within their organization.
Networking is a means of using personal connections, such as contacts through professional organizations, colleagues, instructors, friends, and acquaintances, to locate possible employment opportunities. Networking is the most common means of finding employment. For example, an agricultural mechanics student may speak to a representative employee of an agricultural equipment manufacturer to determine if they are aware of any open positions within their company and who to speak with to apply for the position. See Figure 1-11.

13. An employment interview is an opportunity to discover if the skills and background of the applicant match the requirements of the position.
Interviews can be over the telephone or face-to-face. Many companies perform initial interviews over the telephone. When a telephone interview has been arranged, the candidate must be prepared to take the call at the arranged time. For a face-to-face interview, arriving on-time, prepared, and confident is most important. See Figure 1-12.