Studying agronomy provides you with the knowledge and understanding to contribute directly to the sustainable production and quality of food, feed for animals, and fiber, seed and bioenergy crops. Working to improve plants is a key element in the effort to feed the world's growing population and crops play an ever-growing role in renewable energy production. As a student working towards an agronomy degree, you will take background courses in chemistry and biology and further your studies in plant nutrition, integrated pest management, and crop production. Courses in ecology, conflict resolution, and agricultural business management will round out your education.

work with the USDA or agricultural support companies, or have returned to family farms and ranches armed with the experience and knowledge needed to manage these businesses in the 21st century, or have gone on to study graduate-level agronomy at Oregon State and other universities.