Agricultural Careers

Crop Consultant

By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Nina Maxey

Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office

Georgia Department of Education

June 2005

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Job Duties & Responsibilities

•Advise farmers on insect, weed, and disease control.

•Advise farmers on tillage practices, irrigation, fertilizer, and plant growth regulator use.

•Take soil samples to determine application of fertilizers.

•Scout for insects and disease.

•Meet with farmers to discuss production issues.

•Educate farmers in the community regarding issues important to production agriculture.

•Analyze collected data to provide advice on needed measures for the most efficient production method.

Qualities and SkillsAn ideal crop consultant is one who enjoys working outdoors and providing

services to farmers. They should also be open minded and able to listen to the farmers concerns and desires. They also need to be analytical with solid ability

to solve problems and work well individually or as a team. Good communications and public relations skills are important in the delivery of ones

suggestions and recommendations to producers.Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time

Ability to travel Physically capable of working more than 40 hours per week

Good physical conditionGood eyesight and manual dexterity

Salary

The annual salary for a cropconsultant varies widely depending on many variables, such as weather, season,number of clients, and how many acres they have. Growers insome parts of the country may pay as little as $5.00 or $6.00 an acre for a "basic" scouting service compared to $30 an acre in some locations for extensive consultation of high value crops. But the variations don't stop there. In many cases, growers who have a lot of little fields are going to pay more than those with one large field. Costs may also vary depending on the activity level of certain pest.

Work Environment

•Work mostly outdoors in the fields, although some work may be done in the office or laboratories•Conditions may be hot, wet, or dirty•Travel may be extensive in order to visit various farms•Spends large amounts of time alone, but also involves interaction with others•Typical work week is more than 40 hours per week

Becoming a Crop Consultant

A four year degree in agricultural science or an agriculture related field is highly recommended to those interested in pursuing a career as a crop consultant. A bachelor’s degree is not required to be a crop consultant, but is necessary to be a member or a Certified Professional Crop Consultant with the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants. If one is interested in becoming an educator on the university level with a degree in agricultural science, they will also need to receive their doctorate degree.

Career Resources

American Society of Agronomy677 S. Segoe Rd

Madison, WI 53711 Internet: http://www.agronomy.org

National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants

349 East Nolley DriveCollierville, TN 38017

Internet: http://www.naicc.org