Agricultural Adviser

Agricultural advisers give advice and support to farmers. They also give advice to companies which produce animal feed, seeds, fertilizers, weedkillers and other materials used on farms. They may also advise landowners and conservation bodies.

The Work

You could be giving advice on:

• the best types of seeds to use


• how to improve the soil, use of fertilizers, weedkillers or other materials used on farms


• feed for animals


• conservation, the environment and waste management


• new farm machinery or new farm buildings


• health and safety


• animal diseases and pest control


• using farm land for recreation or wildlife


• business planning, budgets and applying for grants.

• reading reports on new research and running field trials


• writing reports and leaflets


• specialising in one subject, such as animals, crops, soil science or farm management.

Conditions

• You would work in an office.


• You would also spend a lot of time out of the office visiting farms and companies which make products used on farms.


• At times, you may have to start early in the morning and work into the evening.


• You may also have to work some weekends.


• You will have to be prepared to spend some time outside in all weather conditions and wear protective clothing.

Getting In

• You normally need a good Honours degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant science, soil science, environmental science or a related subject.


• In some cases, you might get in with a Higher National Diploma (HND).


• Entry requirements for a degree are 3-5 Highers plus 1-2 Standard grades. The Highers should normally include at least one science subject, and English and Maths may be required at least at Standard grade. Entry requirements for an HND are normally 2 Highers.


• For technical advisory work a postgraduate degree is helpful. Aberdeen University, the Scottish Agricultural College, Robert Gordon University, Dundee University and Glasgow University run courses in soil science, agri-business management, organic farming, plant science and crops for the future.


• You usually need experience working on a farm.


• You may have a business qualification as well as agricultural qualifications and experience.
  
• A driving licence is essential.


• You must not be allergic to animals or suffer from hay fever.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• confident


• able to get on with a wide range of people


• able to make good judgements


• interested in scientific and technological research.

• a keen interest in agriculture


• a good understanding of farm management


• a desire to improve farming methods


• good communications and listening skills


• good business skills.

Training

• You would spend a number of years gaining experience on-the-job.


• You would attend a range of short courses and other training sessions relevant to the work you are doing.


• For technical advisory work you may need to do specialist training for example in fertilisers or agrochemicals.


• If you do not already hold a postgraduate qualification, you could improve your prospects by studying for one part-time.


• You may be able to do a continuous professional development programme (CPD) as a member of a professional body.

Getting On

• After gaining experience you may become a senior adviser within your organisation.


• In some cases in order to gain promotion, you may have to move to different parts of the country.


• There can be opportunities within universities and colleges to do advanced research and consultancy work.


• After a lot of experience, you may be able to set up your own business offering advisory and consultancy services.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.