Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster

Revised May 2024

The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) career cluster focuses on the essential elements of life, including food, water, land, and air. This career cluster includes occupations ranging from farmer and rancher to veterinarian, geologist, land conservationist, and florist.

Statewide Program of Study: Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems

The Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with applying engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems related to power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water use, and processing agricultural products. This program includes diagnosing, repairing, and overhauling farm machinery and vehicles such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.

Secondary Courses for High School Credit

• Level 1: Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
• Level 2: Agricultural Mechanics and Metal Technologies
• Level 3: Agricultural Structures Design and Fabrication
• Level 4:
  • Agricultural Equipment Design and Fabrication
  • Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Work-Based Learning and Expanded Learning Opportunities

Work-Based Learning Activities

• Participate in a farm mechanic apprenticeship at an equipment production company
• Intern at an equipment manufacturing facility working with agricultural engineers

Expanded Learning Opportunities

• Participate in an FFA career, leadership, and speaking contest such as an agriscience fair
• Participate in an agriculture robotics event

Example Postsecondary Opportunities

Apprenticeships

• Farm Equipment Mechanic I

Associate Degrees

• Diesel Mechanics Technology
• Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Agricultural Engineering
• Agricultural Systems Management

Graduate Degrees

• Agricultural Engineering
• Industrial Technology

Additional Stackable Licenses

• Diesel Equipment Technology – Off Highway Specialization (DEO1)
• Accredited Farm Manager

Example Aligned Occupations

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

• Median Wage: $46,582
• Annual Openings: 326
• 10-Year Growth: 23%

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics

• Median Wage: $57,943
• Annual Openings: 2,637
• 10-Year Growth: 31%

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

• Median Wage: $65,490
• Annual Openings: 28,020
• 10-Year Growth: 4%

Aligned Industry-Based Certifications Offered in LCISD

• AWS D1.1 Structural Steel
• AWS D9.1 Sheet Metal Welding

Additional Information

Successful completion of the Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems program of study fulfills requirements of the Business and Industry endorsement.

Data Source: TexasWages, Texas Workforce Commission (Retrieved March 8, 2024)

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/programs-of-study