Agricultural and Environmental Systems in Ohio
Ohio's Agricultural and Environmental Systems pathway serves students in one of the nation's leading agricultural states. The program integrates classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE), and FFA leadership development to prepare students for careers in production agriculture, agribusiness, environmental science, and natural resources management.
Students can specialize in areas including animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, agribusiness, horticulture, and natural resources. Ohio's agricultural programs benefit from partnerships with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and agribusiness companies throughout the state.
Ohio's diverse agriculture—from grain production to dairy farming to greenhouse operations—creates abundant career opportunities. The pathway emphasizes both production agriculture and the broader agricultural value chain including food processing, agricultural technology, environmental conservation, and agribusiness management.
Agricultural and Environmental Systems at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Ohio's Agricultural and Environmental Systems pathway follows the state's Career-Technical Competency Analysis Profiles aligned with National Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster standards. Programs must include all three components (classroom instruction, SAE, FFA) and prepare students for postsecondary success through articulation agreements with Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) and other Ohio colleges.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Agriculture | AG001 |
| Animal or Plant Science | AG002 |
| Agricultural Mechanics or Agribusiness | AG003 |
| Advanced Agricultural Studies | AG004 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
- ✓Certified Horticulture Professional
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Farm Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $50,530 - $85,660
Adjusted for cost of living: $68,783
Agricultural Sales Representative
Entry LevelSalary range: $50,530 - $85,660
Adjusted for cost of living: $55,038
Crop Production Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $31,080 - $41,610
Adjusted for cost of living: $36,162
Agricultural Equipment Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $50,530 - $85,660
Adjusted for cost of living: $55,038
Environmental Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $62,700 - $99,900
Adjusted for cost of living: $68,293
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects in production, placement, research, or entrepreneurship. Internships with agribusiness companies, veterinary practices, and agricultural cooperatives. Summer employment with farms, nurseries, and agricultural technology companies. Work experience at Ohio State agricultural research stations.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Ohio CTE Programs
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Ohio Standards Built In
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Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Ohio standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Ohio
Animal Science
Ohio's Animal Science pathway develops expertise in livestock and poultry production, animal health, nutrition, and genetics—preparing students for careers in the state's significant animal agriculture industry. Ohio ranks highly in dairy, beef cattle, and swine production, with major operations throughout the state. Students study animal behavior, physiology, nutrition, and genetics while gaining hands-on experience with livestock and poultry management systems. They work with dairy operations, beef ranches, poultry farms, and school animal facilities, learning modern production practices and welfare standards. Graduates work as veterinary technicians, livestock managers, dairy technicians, or animal nutritionists with operations ranging from small family farms to large-scale producers. Many continue studies at Ohio State's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences or pursue specialized credentials in veterinary technology.
Agricultural and Environmental SystemsPlant Science
Ohio's Plant Science pathway develops expertise in crop production, horticulture, turf management, and ornamental plant cultivation. The state's rich agricultural heritage and diverse growing operations provide excellent learning contexts for students pursuing horticultural and crop science careers. Students study plant biology, genetics, soil science, pest management, and cultivation techniques through greenhouse operations, field work, and lab-based coursework. They learn precision agriculture technologies and sustainable growing practices that reflect modern commercial operations throughout Ohio. Graduates work as greenhouse managers, landscape technicians, crop consultants, or turf managers with nurseries, landscaping firms, golf courses, and farms. Many continue their education at Ohio State, Ohio University, or specialized horticultural programs while others enter management roles in agricultural supply and service companies.
Agricultural and Environmental SystemsRelated Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticCareer and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are national organizations that provide CTE students with opportunities for leadership development, competitive events, community service, and career preparation. Recognized CTSOs include DECA, FBLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA, each serving students in specific career cluster areas.
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