What Does an Agricultural Adviser Do?

An agricultural adviser provides advice to people like farmers, growers, environmental organizations, and gardeners who need assistance with agricultural topics. This work can include technical advice on practices and procedures as well as business-oriented advice to help farms monetize more effectively. Many agricultural advisers travel as part of their work and may cover a very large area, depending on the agencies that employ them and the types of services they offer.

Those holding these positions can work for government agencies, colleges and universities, and private organizations. When members of the public call for help, the agency determines who would be most appropriate, and sends out an agricultural adviser to offer assistance. The adviser can review the situation, discuss any concerns a farmer may have, and provide consulting services. This may take a single appointment or several, depending on the nature of the situation.

On site, an agricultural adviser can inspect crops and facilities, as well as review timber and other natural resources. The client may have specific needs, like the desire to maintain organic certification, that the adviser will need to take into account. Agricultural advisers can help improve crop yields, plan crop rotations, offer advice on what to grow, and provide assistance with pests and diseases in the field. They can also discuss economic topics like the cheapest way to get crops to a distributor and how to manage bookkeeping effectively.

In addition to working in the field, an agricultural adviser can also provide some services out of an office. Members of the public may call a hotline to get basic information on topics like pest control, managing disease in plants, and when to plant. The adviser can answer simple, generic questions and provide advice to help farmers and gardeners get on the right track. This advice can include referrals to other agencies and resources, such as free gardening classes or an organization that offers free soil testing to help gardeners determine the acidity of their soil.

To become an agricultural adviser, it is usually necessary to have a degree in this or a related field. Some agencies also require experience and familiarity with a region, as people who know an area can provide more accurate farming and gardening advice. Some may work in flexible positions as teachers or professors to educate the public while offering individual consulting services as one component of their work. Others are full time advisers who focus solely on helping people with specific needs.