High School

It is recommended to adhere to your high schools college preparatory program and enroll in classes such as English, government, history, and foreign language. Additionally, it is recommended to take courses in mathematics and sciences, especially biology and physics. It would be beneficial to also consider computer science courses. If available, take economics courses and accounting and business classes as agricultural consultants play an active role in managing farms.

Postsecondary Training

A candidate needs a bachelors degree in agriculture or economics to work as an Agricultural Consultant. If they hope to join the on-campus staff at their states agricultural college, theyll need at least a masters degree. College courses usually required for this work include English, history, chemistry, biology, economics, education, sociology, speech, animal science, crop production, horticulture, soils, and farm management. Several colleges have developed regular agricultural extension curriculums to be followed by those hoping to enter the field.

After college, county agents are updated on the latest programs, policies, and teaching techniques through in-service training programs run by state agricultural colleges and the Department of Agriculture.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for agricultural consultants.

To prepare for the field, aspiring Agricultural Consultants should obtain as much experience (volunteering, internships, employment) as possible in agriculture and business. To work as an agricultural consultant, one must hold a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field, such as forestry, agriculture, natural resource management, environmental science, or a similar field. A minimum of three years of experience in a particular area of expertise is also necessary.

Aspiring Agricultural Consultants need a background of practical farming experience and a thorough knowledge of the problems that farmers face, rural community members, and their families encounter. Farmers naturally feel more comfortable seeking advice from people who completely understand their work.

Agricultural Consultants should:

• be a good teacher and should enjoy working with people
• be assertive yet diplomatic and have a particular affinity for farmers and their problems
• be willing to organize group projects, meetings, and broad educational programs that both adults and young people involved in agriculture will find stimulating and useful
• be willing to learn and use the latest teaching techniques and technologies to share current farming practices and knowledge with residents