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Farm Consultant

Farm consultants help farmers develop their knowledge of soils, crops and livestock, to improve the health, quality and yield of livestock in a sustainable way. They also assist farmers with developing their financial and business management skills to increase farm profitability and growth.

Tasks & duties

Farm consultants may do some or all of the following:

visit farmers regularly
give advice on financial and business planning and farm management
provide farmers with decision-making support
help farmers set business goals
set and monitor budgets, cash flow and production targets
take samples for soil and herbage testing
advise on fertiliser use
research information requested by farmers
keep in contact with clients
run training and seminars on a variety of farm management topics
supervise properties on behalf of absent owners
set up lease agreements
purchase supplies, such as fertiliser, for farmers
negotiate employment of staff
resolve and mediate disputes between farmers and sharemilkers or employees
act as an advocate for farmers or farmer groups
organise stock to be sold
negotiate prices for meat processing plants

Specialisations

Most farm consultants specialise in one area of farming such as dairy, sheep or beef farming.

Skills & knowledge

Farm consultants need to have:

knowledge of different farm types and how they work
knowledge of farm management
understanding of agricultural production methods and how to apply these to real-life situations
good people and communication skills, including listening and public speaking skills
negotiation skills
time management skills
financial and budgeting skills
decision-making skills
analytical skills

Entry requirements

To become a farm consultant it is preferable you have a tertiary qualification in agricultural science, commerce, or management.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter further training. Useful subjects include science, biology and maths to year 12 Certificate of Education or Higher School Certificate equivalent level.

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job. Farm consultants may attend agricultural training courses and conferences to keep up to date with developments in the agriculture industry.