Tasks Essential to Successful Performance Within Each of Four Occupational Areas in Agriculture. Determination of a Common Core of Basic Skills in Agribusiness and Natural Resources.

Occupational information needed for the development of vocational and technical education curricula in agriculture is presented in the report. It discusses the findings of occupational surveys of incumbent workers that relate to the identification of a common core of skills or tasks performed within each of the following vocational education in agricultural taxonomy areas: agricultural production (eight occupations); agricultural business, supply, and service (four occupations); agricultural mechanics (four occupations); and horticulture (four occupations). A total of 1,476 questionnaires were mailed and 720 replies were received. Background information was collected on the total work experience in the occupation, employment at current job, size of business where employed, and preparation for the occupation. Data are provided for 2,013 task statements in agricultural production; 593 task statements in agricultural business, supply, and service; 1,354 task statements in agriculture mechanics; and 786 task statements in horticulture. The common core of skills for the agricultural production industry was divided into areas of farm management, farm mechanics, animal production, and crop production. Data on the common core of skills are presented in tabular form. Conclusions and recommendations are formulated based on the data obtained from the occupational surveys. A selected bibliography is included. (Author/EC)