In order to acquire a thorough knowledge of the vocation, individuals can refer to the informational pamphlets and occupational brochures published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and request appointments with their local agricultural agent. Interested students may obtain relevant materials or the local agents name from any state agricultural college. They may also refer to the official websites of these institutions for further information.

Additionally, one can prepare to explore this field by participating in groups such as 4-H, the National FFA Organization, and the Boy or Girl Scouts and volunteering at an extension office. It may also be beneficial to seek out the opinions of farmers or other individuals involved in agriculture to gain insight into the work conducted by agricultural consultants in a particular county. If you want to understand the job better, you can go through the pamphlets and brochures containing occupational information published by the USDA about this field. You can also request to meet with your local agricultural agent. For interested students, any state agricultural college will provide materials or disclose the local agents name. You can also check out these colleges websites for more information.

Agricultural consultants teach agricultural subjects at places other than college campuses. The aim of these educational programs is to teach agricultural workers to analyze and solve agricultural problems. They cover such topics as soil and crop improvement, livestock, farm machinery, fertilizers, new methods of planting, technology, and any other subject that may be of assistance to the farmer. Classroom settings are avoided. Rather, the consultants work on-site, possibly while the farmer is engaged in planting or harvesting, or in small evening meetings of five or six farmers. Occasionally, classes are offered in more formal settings during which the consultant speaks before larger groups and makes presentations.

Agricultural Consultants provide assistance, guidance, and remedies to farmers and other agricultural professionals to ensure the smooth running of their agribusinesses. Their responsibilities may include:

• Devising irrigation systems.
• Advising on pest and disease management.
• Conducting environmental or farm audits.
• Some agricultural consultants may also offer laboratory services like pathology testing and soil analysis.

County agricultural agents work closely with federal agricultural agents in gathering information to be presented to the farmers. Information on agronomy (the theory and practice of soil management and crop production), livestock, marketing, agricultural and home economics, horticulture, and entomology (the study of insects) may come either from the state agricultural college or from NIFA. The county agricultural workers job is to review the new information, decide what is most pertinent to local operations, and then present it as effectively as possible to the farmers in that particular area. The county or federal extension service agents work is primarily educational in nature and is aimed at increasing the efficiency of agricultural production and marketing and the development of new and different markets for agricultural products.

County agricultural agents also work closely with family and community educators (FCEs), who assist and instruct families on ways to improve their home life. This work ranges from offering advice and suggestions on preserving fruits and vegetables to improving health care and nutrition, assisting in balancing family budgets, and handling family stress. The FCE is responsible for keeping current in every area relating to the rural home and for sharing this information with families in a particular county or group of counties.

4-H Club agents organize and direct the educational projects and activities of the 4-H Club, the largest out-of-school youth program in the United States. More than 7 million youths participate in 4-H Clubs in rural and urban settings. 4-H educational programs focus on building lifelong learning skills that develop youth potential. An extensive set of programs is designed to engage youth in healthy learning experiences, increasing self-esteem, and problem-solving skills. Programs address stress management, self-protection, parent-teen communication, personal development, careers, and global understanding. Youth are encouraged to explore science, technology, and citizenship. 4-H Club agents analyze the needs of individuals and the community, develop teaching materials, train volunteers, and organize exhibits at state and county fairs. They also introduce children and adolescents to techniques in raising animals and plants, including breeding, husbandry, and nutrition.

Due to technological advancements in electronic communication, there are interesting opportunities for careers in communications with NIFA. There is a degree of specialization involved, especially at the federal level. Federal agricultural consultants often become program leaders who are responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with various land-grant colleges, universities, government agencies, and private agencies involved in agriculture. In some cases, they also become educational research and training specialists responsible for developing research programs in all phases of consulting work. The results of these programs are shared with the various state agencies.

Subject matter specialists develop programs through which new information can be presented to the farmers effectively. Educational media specialists condense information and distribute it as it becomes available to the states for use in their local extension programs. These consultants may be designated extension service specialists. An extension service worker who is in charge of programs for a group of counties is known as a district extension service agent.