Why Agricultural Science is the Future of STEM

Are you thinking about what to study after high school? If you’re into science, tech, engineering, or math (STEM), you might be imagining careers in fields like computer science, biology, or engineering. But have you ever thought about agricultural science? It’s a field where you can use your STEM skills to help solve real-world problems—like making sure the world has enough food to eat, while protecting the environment at the same time.

Why Agriculture is So Important

With the global population expected to hit 10 billion people by 2050, we need to figure out how to produce more food without harming the planet. That’s a huge challenge, and it’s why agriculture is such a critical field right now. But here’s the cool part: agriculture today isn’t what you might picture. It’s all about technology and innovation.

Tech is Changing How We Grow Food

Forget the idea that working in agriculture means spending all day on a farm. Today, agriculture uses cutting-edge technology to grow food smarter, faster, and with less environmental impact. Here are some ways tech is making a difference:

• Drones are used to fly over fields and check the health of crops. They help farmers spot problems early, which means they use less water and fewer pesticides.
• AI (Artificial Intelligence) helps farmers predict the weather and analyze data to make better decisions about when to plant, water, or harvest crops.
• Robots are used to plant and harvest crops, making the whole process more efficient and precise.
• Biotechnology helps scientists develop crops that are more resistant to drought or pests, ensuring we have enough food even in tough growing conditions.

These innovations are helping us produce more food while using fewer natural resources like water, land, and energy—making agriculture one of the most exciting fields for technology today.

Agriculture and Sustainability Go Hand in Hand

With climate change and other environmental challenges, we need to rethink how we grow our food. Agriculture is at the center of this, and it’s not just about farming anymore—it’s about finding sustainable solutions that protect the environment while feeding billions of people.

For example:

• Vertical farming - grows food indoors, using less land and water than traditional farming.
• Soil health technologies - help capture carbon, reducing the effects of climate change.
• Alternative proteins like lab-grown meat or plant-based foods are being developed to create more sustainable options for feeding the world.

These are just a few examples of how agricultural science is leading the way in sustainability, making it one of the most important fields for protecting the planet’s future.

Why Agricultural Science is More Fulfilling

You might wonder why you should consider agricultural science over other STEM fields. The answer? It’s a field where you can use your tech skills to make a huge, positive impact. 

While other STEM careers might focus on building new apps or machines, agricultural science gives you the chance to solve some of the biggest global problems—like how to feed more people while keeping the planet healthy. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that your work is helping to build a sustainable food system for future generations.

A Degree That Sets You Up for Success

The University of Guelph offer amazing programs like the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, which gives you hands-on experience with the latest technology in the food and agricultural industry. You’ll learn about everything from soil health and crop production to the latest tech tools like drones, AI, and robotics. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to work on real-world problems, preparing you for an exciting and impactful career.

So, if you're looking for a career that combines technology, science, and making a difference, agricultural science might be the perfect fit for you. You’ll get to use your STEM skills to solve global challenges, protect the environment, and create a better future for everyone.

About the OAC's Liaison Team

OAC's Liaison Team showcases the educational and professional opportunities within agriculture, food, environmental sciences, and community development through unique experiential learning opportunities offered at U of G.