Agricultural Consultants: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview President George Washington established educational agency to help farmers in the 18th century. This agency was developed which we now call the Department of Agriculture. Morill Act was enacted by President Abraham Lincoln where each senator and representative in Congress was given 30,000 acres of land to sell. The proceeds will be used to build colleges which will specialize in engineering and agriculture education. Since some farmers live in remote areas, it was necessary for someone to teach them how to use new agricultural equipment and agricultural techniques. Agricultural extension services workers are also known as the agricultural consultants. They inform farmers about agricultural technology and assist them in issues they face in living in rural communities.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Government, English, History, Language, Science and Mathematics are preparatory classes in high school which are advisable to be taken in preparation for a career as agricultural consultant. Accounting, Economics, Computer and Business classes are also helpful. Bachelor’s degree with major in Economics or Agriculture is needed to be a professional in this field. If the applicants desire to teach in state’s agricultural college, they are required to complete a Master’s degree. Agricultural extension curricula are offered in different colleges like Crop Production, Farm Management, Soils and Horticulture.
Skills and Abilities
Agricultural consultants will be working with different people and therfore needs to know how to interact properly with them. They need to know how to teach and explain things clearly. It is important that they make farmers confident and comfortable. It is recommended to that they know how to capture the interest and attention of the farmers during meeting and group projects.
They need to be interested in farming and should also learn what problems farmers and their families face concerning their livelihood. Agricultural consultants need to have passion in learning new agricultural practices and techniques.
Duties
Agricultural consultants play an important part in the farming industry. They are responsible in educating agricultural workers in different aspects of farming like livestock, soil and crop improvement, new methods of planting, fertilizers, farm machinery and other subjects that will make farming easier. It is their duty to work with farmers while they are planting or harvesting. They need to be updated with latest technologies and techniques in agriculture to be an effective agricultural consultant.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The income of agricultural consultants basically depends on the state where there are working. Their income is based on their experience and education. Most of them are employed by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and agricultural colleges. Job opportunities are few for agricultural consultants in the future because of fewer farm families. Those who have a thorough training and education in the agricultural industry will be given more opportunities who may also work for suburban residents and rural nonfarming families.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
Latest Articles about: Careers
1: College Mathematics Professors: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook2: Mathematics Teacher: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
3: Medical Assistant: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
4: Mathematicians: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
5: Medical Ethicist: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Word Count: 519 Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 Time: 10:46 AM
Previous - Agribusiness Technicians: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook | Next - Agricultural Equipment Technicians: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook