CAREER & TRAINING

(Figure 3) A cotton farmer is at work carefully analyzing his cotton plants to note any abnormalities.

    
      A cotton farmer plays an important role in the growing and harvesting of cotton plants. They often work long days and long nights, especially during spring season, to ensure the cotton plants are growing successfully without any disturbances. To become a cotton farmer, an individual requires specific training and certifications. Usually people become accustomed to the environment of a cotton farmer by growing up in a farm. These individuals get first hand experience and obtain the skills needed to become a cotton farmer at an early age. On the other hand, running a farm and growing cotton plants certainly requires a lot more knowledge than expected. Although it is possible to become a laborer without any specific training, it is highly recommended that an individual who wishes to pursue this career receive a diploma or degree in plant sciences, horticulture, agriculture, farm management, or crop science. Universities and college offer programs in these areas all across Canada. Despite the program chosen, it is also highly advised for people to take courses such as pomology and olericulture. By taking these courses, an individual will be able to go in-depth fruit and vegetable production and gain understanding about soil management, fertilization, seeding and post-harvest storage. As stated previously – It is helpful to experience working on cotton farms and an internship can often be useful. Interns will be trained by other experienced cotton farmers and will be able to learn detailed information about running a farm such as how to cultivate the land, monitor, harvest and pack the cotton plants. In addition - before a person can actually become a cotton farmer, it is important he or she receives a license to use pesticides. Since at one point in time cotton farmers will use pesticides to protect the cotton plants from damage, it is necessary for them to be allowed to do so. Once an individual has gone through all these steps – he or she will able to work at a farm and grow cotton plants.