Jobs for Agricultural Consultant:
An agricultural consultant or adviser, like any consultant, is a professional problem-solver. They offer support and solutions to their clients to ensure their business or enterprise is running as efficiently and effectively as possible. Clients may be:
- farmers;
- growers;
- landowners;
- conservation organizations;
- public bodies;
- other agricultural business in manufacturing and services.
Agricultural consultancy and advisory work is principally split into two distinct but interrelated areas:
- technical consultancy - providing specialist advice on agronomy, nutrition, livestock, the environment and conservation, waste management and other technical applications.
- business consultancy - involving business planning, personnel management and estate and financial management advice for agricultural business and farms.
Consultants and advisers must be aware of the business and legislative implications of their advice.
Typical work activities:
The exact nature of the work carried out by agricultural consultants varies depending on the type of service they offer and the type of employer but typical activities include:
- visiting clients to identify and evaluate their business and/or technical requirements;
- assisting clients with business planning, planning applications, government grant applications, legislative advice, and new business ventures;
- collecting and analyzing data, crop yield and financial reports to measure performance;
- preparing or modifying business or operating plans;
- organizing and conducting field trials to find solutions to clients problems;
- planning and implementing improvements for the client such as using more effective pest control measures or finding more efficient ways to keep and feed livestock;
- organizing presentations, demonstrations, training, and farm walks for clients, colleagues, partnership organizations, professional bodies and other interested groups;
- communicating effectively, both in writing and orally, with clients, colleagues and members of the public;
- writing advisory leaflets, technical notes and possibly press release and articles;
- marketing and promoting consultancy services to new customers, while maintaining existing client relationships;
- researching and keeping up to date with any relevant developments in agriculture;
- undertaking administrative duties, managing budgets and accounts, updating information, and preparing reports.