An ag researcher usually needs to go out into the surrounding community to get good data or info or otherwise complete his research. They often get their hands

An ag researcher usually needs to go out into the surrounding community to get good data or info or otherwise complete his research. They often get their hands dirty on real farms, so naturally they'll be more rooted in the real problems of the industry. I grew up on a cherry orchard near UC Davis, and some group of random students would show up every other year looking for help. This is all much different from a software researcher who can just work from his/her lab (or even bedroom) at all times. It's easy to lose sight of the greater industry when you don't need its (direct) help to complete your research.