Agronomist

OFO No: 213202

Other names for Agronomist:

Agricultural Immunologist
Agronomist
Agrostologist
Animal Husbandry Scientist
Animal Nutritionist
Companion Animal Nutritionist
Farming Scientist
Plant / Seed Breeder
Plant Biologist / Ecologist / Toxicologist
Plant Pathologist
Plant Pathology Manager
Plant Physiologist
Plant Production Scientist
Pomologist
Quarantine Scientist
Seed Analyst
Seed Product Developer
Seed Production Agronomist
Seed Production Horticulturist

What is an Agronomist?

An Agronomist’s job is to investigate field crop problems and develop new and improved growing methods for higher yields or better quality.

This includes crops such as corn, maize, grain sorghum, peanuts, sunflower, cotton, sugar-cane, potatoes and forage.  

What does an Agronomist do?

• provides information about plant diseases, weed killers and the biological control of insect pests
• advisse farmers about crop rotation, fertilisers, field drainage and irrigation
• represents some manufacturers’ and showing farmers the most effective uses for new products
• travels locally to neighbouring countries to help emerging farmers increase their food production by means of new techniques
• works on developing new types of grains, legumes and grasses that will increase and improve food production and help replenish the soil at the same time

Are you … ?

• interested in agriculture and farming?
• interested in the ‘science of farming’?
• willing to travel?
• able to do research?
• analytical?
• systematic?
• dedicated?

How do I become an Agronomist?

DEGREE

The minimum requirement is a 4-year Bachelors of Science – BSc (Agric) degree with Agronomy which can be done at some universities.

DIPLOMA

Can be done at a University of Technology

• ELSENBURG COLLEGE:  Also offers training in Agronomy

PATH 1

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Livestock Science & Zoology)

• University of Fort Hare
• University of KZN

PATH 2

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Biochemistry)

• University of KZN

PATH 3

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Environmental Microbiology) 

• University of KZN

PATH 4

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Genetics) 

• University of KZN

PATH 5

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Industrial Microbiology) 

• University of KZN

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Who does an Agronomist work for?

• Department of Agriculture
• Department of Land Affairs
• Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
• Manufacturers of fertilisers, weed-killers and agricultural implements, seed and plant producers
• Educational institutions,
• Co-operatives
• Self-employment (consultant)

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Agricultural Technician … or … Grain and Seed Broker

Is becoming an Agronomist the right career choice for me?