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CTE- Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster focuses on the essential elements of life food, water, land, and air. This career cluster includes a diverse spectrum of occupations, ranging from farmer, rancher, and veterinarian to geologist, land conservationist, and florist. It also includes non-traditional agricultural occupations like wind energy, solar energy, and oil and gas production.

Agribusiness

The high school CTE Agribusiness program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with the business of farming and agriculturally related business that supplies farms with products like machinery and seeds. The study of Agribusiness may also include exploration into the marketing of farm products, the purchase of farm products either for further processing or resale, and grading or classifying unprocessed food or other agricultural products.

Work-Based and Expanded Learning Opportunities in Agribusiness

High School CTE Agribusiness Certifications

Agribusiness Salary Information

Agribusiness Occupations
Average Salary
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
$59,134
Farm and Ranch Loan Officers
$45,954
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
$46,488

Animal Science

The Animal Science high school CTE program of study focuses on the science, research, and business of animals and other living organisms. It teaches CTE learners how to apply biology and life science to real-world life processes of animals and wildlife, either in laboratories or in the field. This could include a veterinary office, a farm or ranch, or any outdoor area harboring animal life. High school CTE students may also research and analyze the growth and destruction of species and research or diagnose diseases and injuries of animals.

Work-Based and Expanded Learning Opportunities in Animal Science

High School CTE Animal Science Certifications

Agribusiness Salary Information

Animal Science Occupations
Average Salary
Animal Breeders
$39,139
Animal Scientists
$53,533
Medical Scientists
$63,898
Veterinarians
$93,496
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
$67,309

Applied Agricultural Engineering

The Applied Agricultural Engineering high school CTE program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with applying knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems. This knowledge is concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing agricultural products. The Applied Agrcultural Engineering program of study may also include diagnosing, repairing, or overhauling farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.

Work-Based and Expanded Learning Opportunities in Applied Agrcultural Engineering

High School CTE Agricultural Engineering Certifications

Applied Agricultural Engineering Salary Information

Applied Agricultural Engineering Occupations
Average Salary
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
$32,406
Welders
$41,350
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
$39,915
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
$47,299
Agricultural Engineers
$64,792

Environmental and Natural Resources

The Environmental and Natural Resources high school CTE program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with the research, design, and planning of engineering or technical duties in the prevention and control of environmental hazards. This CTE program of study may also include conducting research for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population.

Work-Based and Expanded Learning Opportunities in Environmental and Natural Resources

High School CTE Environmental and Natural Resources Certifications

Environmental and Natural Resources Salary Information

Environmental and Natural Resources Occupations
Average Salary
Environmental Engineering Technicians
$53,352
Environmental Engineers
$86,757
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
$40,268
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
$77,896
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
$67,309

Food Science and Technology

The Food Science and Technology high school CTE program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities in working with agricultural and food scientists in food, fiber, and animal research, production, and processing. This program of study may also include animal breeding, nutrition, and conducting tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

Work-Based and Expanded Learning Opportunities in Food Science and Technology

High School CTE Food Science and Technology Certifications

Food Science and Technology Salary Information

Food Science and Technology Occupations
Average Salary
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
$34,382
Supervisors of Production and Operating
$62,171
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
$37,689

Plant Science

The high school CTE Plant Science program of study focuses on the science, research, and business of plants and other living organisms. Plant Science teaches students how to apply biology and life science to real-world life processes of plants and vegetation, either in laboratories or in the field.

Work-Based and Expanded Learning Opportunities in Plant Science

High School CTE Plant Science Certifications

Plant Science Salary Information

Plant Science Occupations
Average Salary
Soil and Plant Scientists
$54,662
Tree Trimmers and Pruners
$32,240
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators
$36,733
Landscaping Supervisors
$44,408
Biological Technicians
$42,931

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources CTE Sponsors

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