Veterinarian Agriculture Jobs
With the prospect of the global population reaching 9.0 billion feeding so many will of course have its challenges. In addition, as more a more people move into so-called “middle class” there is a trend towards increasing protein in diets which currently is heavily oriented towards animals. Both of these factors and more set the scene for exceptional Veterinary Agriculture career opportunities.
Veterinarian Agriculture Jobs
With the prospect of the global population reaching 9.0 billion feeding so many will of course have its challenges. In addition, as more a more people move into so-called “middle class” there is a trend towards increasing protein in diets which currently is heavily oriented towards animals. Both of these factors and more set the scene for exceptional Veterinary Agriculture career opportunities.
As for the scale of the sector, U.S. agriculture alone is a $992 billion business, and animal agriculture is a large component of U.S. agriculture, employing large numbers of animal science graduates. In the UK and Europe the numbers are similar and in emerging Agri industries in China, Vietnam, Thailand and other major Asian centres Agri Veterinarians are in high demand.
Graduates are in demand to provide information on the availability of farm products (e.g. feed, equipment, etc.) and to formulate nutrition and health programs that lead to the efficient production of healthy animals. Others pursue careers in food processing and areas as different as quality control and the inspection and grading of meat, milk and eggs.
Why Veterinary Agriculture Jobs
Careers in Veterinary Agriculture revolve around food production environments, including farms, hatcheries, and nurseries. In addition, some careers may be more focused on researching, developing and manufacturing resources to support Veterinary Agriculture such as animal feed, nutrients, vaccines and reproduction.
Food animal veterinarians work with farm animals such as pigs, cattle, and sheep, which are raised to be food sources. They spend much of their time at farms and ranches treating illnesses and injuries and testing for and vaccinating against disease. They may advise farm owners or managers about feeding, housing, and general health practices.
Food safety and inspection veterinarians inspect and test livestock and animal products for major animal diseases, provide vaccines to treat animals, enhance animal welfare, conduct research to improve animal health, and enforce government food safety regulations. They design and administer animal and public health programs for the prevention and control of diseases transmissible among animals and between animals and people.
Veterinarian technicians also play a significant role in the agricultural sector by supporting veterinarians as they examine and treat cows, pigs, horses, chickens, and other farm animals. Vet techs help to prepare instruments, perform tests, administer medications, and nurse animals.
Most vet techs complete a two-year post-secondary program in veterinary technology, though some individuals earn a four-year degree in the discipline. Most countries also require technicians to pass a licensing exam.
Veterinary professionals working within the food agriculture space can have careers that then further expand into becoming Agricultural and Food Scientists, Soil and Plant Scientists, Agricultural Managers and even Commodities Brokers and Traders.
Types Of Veterinary Agriculture Jobs
- Veterinary Product Managers
- Veterinary Project Managers
- Veterinary Analysts
- Agricultural Production
- Agriculture Operations
- Veterinary Advisor
- Veterinary Sales
- Production Farm Animal Veterinarians
- Veterinary Research and Development
- Veterinary Pathology
- Veterinary Scientist
- And many more
Qualifications
- A four-year degree from and accredited college or university equivalent to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an AVMA or RCVS or similar or equivalent accredited institution
- Completion of a post-DVM training/residency program in specialty agriculture area of interest
- Board Certified in a specialty agriculture area of interest
- PHD for Veterinary Scientific roles
- Eligible for USDA or equivalent international eligibility
A Veterinary Degree with a specialty in Agriculture also gives you the prospect to either manage agricultural businesses, or work in the areas of agricultural sales, food production and even farming journalism.
Veterinary Agriculture Companies
- Bayer
- Agria Corporation
- Nutrien Ag Solutions
- Agrium
- Elanco
- Nutreco
- Syngenta
- Cargill
- Tyson Foods
- Alltech
Salaries & Benefits
Board certified veterinarians in the Veterinary Agriculture segment earn salaries at the top end of the veterinary salary spectrum, usually averaging more than six figures. To achieve board certification, vets must study for several years after graduating from veterinary school and completing residencies and internships under the supervision of top specialists. After achieving Diplomate status in their particular specialty they are well compensated for having acquired this additional expertise. Top-paying specialties include veterinary ophthalmology (median salary of $215,120), veterinary nutrition (median salary of $202,368), and veterinary surgery (median salary of $183,902).
Animal health inspectors monitor livestock production facilities, laboratories, pet stores, breeding operations, and animal shelters to ensure that all animals are being treated humanely and in accordance with state and federal laws. Animal health inspectors earn a median salary of $47,000 per year according to the BLS, and the median salary was significantly higher in some states (i.e. a median salary of $66,520 in Connecticut and $59,200 in New York).
In Conclusion
A career opportunity in a Veterinary Agriculture role provides a wide range of opportunities that is significantly different to Veterinary Hospital or Veterinary Public Health environments. If the immediacy of dealing with emergency cases or small animal issues is of less appeal to you, then the world of Big Agri awaits with open arms.
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