Agricultural Consultant When it comes to consulting large-scale or even smaller farms, you need to have the right tools on your belt. Consulting is not always easy and can require a good deal of knowledge and understanding of agriculture. It also requires you to be up front and center with the clients on a daily bases. Here are some ways to help you secure a career as an agricultural consultant.
Study Many people start out developing their skills while in school. As they specialize through research and outside projects, they are actually getting some first-hand experience to agricultural consulting. Continuing on with your education and going on to graduate school will give you much more exposure to research and consulting. This can come in the form of checking crops or helping farmers manage their budgets. Getting knowledge in agricultural economics, finance, crop and soil science, and in ag politics can all help you in your course to become an Agricultural Consultant.
Certifications On top of your academic career, you need to be getting applicable experience. Certification proves that you have it. You can get certifications in anything from irrigation to pesticide. Certifications can really set you apart from other consultants who aren’t keeping themselves abreast to new techniques and new ideas. Becoming certified is not a one-time thing. It often requires that you become recertified the next year or so. This means that you stay up-to-date on things.
Be a People Person Consultants have to understand people well and how to communicate with them on their own terms. You will have to deal with major problems and there may be times that the farmer will be stressed but with the right people skills, you will be right on top of it. If you really want to enjoy your job as an agricultural consultant, you need to enjoy being around people, especially farmers.
Travel You need to be ready to travel and handle a number of different problems. If you struggle in new environments or you just get tired from change, then this job is probably not for you. It takes a willingness to doctor on-site. You will be outside of your office more than not. Learning new things will be a constant challenge associated with this job as well.
Attention to Details The details are where many people get lost. If you are good at looking things over and seeing the problems quickly, then you will be able to help people quickly. This job requires organization and accurate record keeping which helps maintain you give guidance and direction to farmers. Overall this job can be tough at times, but it is also extremely rewarding when you are able to look back and see where you made a difference in the life of a farmer. Whether you graduate from some college in Idaho Falls or you attend Purdue, there is a place for you out in the world of agriculture. Don’t give up if you start out in a lower position. This is how many people develop the aforementioned skills and secure their future careers! Photo Credit: Doc Searls, TumblingRun