Farming Production Specialist
Position Overview
As a farming production specialist, you provide agriculture and livestock related advice to farmers. Specialists typically focus on one specific area, such as irrigation, crops, agricultural mechanics, or soil. Farmers depend on them for consultations in order to make the right farming decisions. Farming production specialists usually become familiar with the farmers in a specific district, analyzing and understanding the local environmental conditions. They will meet with each farmer to go over different agriculture aspects or hold large discussions for all farmers in the district to attend. Individuals in this position can advise on what crops to rotate, what to do regarding water or soil issues, best methods for harvesting and cultivation, and best animal care practices. They often work in a number of different settings, including the lab, office, or field. Farming production specialists should stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and practices available in the agriculture industry in order to provide the best counseling possible.
Farming Production Specialist Duties
Farming production specialist duties can vary depending on the focus area that they are in. Generally, they can expect to:
- Provide advice to farmers to assist with production issues
- Develop research on effectiveness of new practices or technologies for specific districts, if applicable
- Raise funds for research
- Coordinate with other researchers, government department, and other agriculture specialists
- Conduct information sessions for those in the agriculture industry
- Educate farmers on importance of environmental laws and pollution laws
- Develop reports to summarize data relevant for the district
Typical Employers
- Farmer or ranchers
- Research associations
- Universities
- Colleges
- Government departments
- Consulting firms for the agricultural industry
- Equipment manufacturers
Required Education and Training
If you are looking to become a farming production specialist, you will need to have a university degree in a related field such as agronomy, environmental science, agriculture, horticulture, soil science, or land reclamation. You should have a keen interest in science, math, economics, and agriculture. Depending on where you work, you may need to attain other certifications from the nation's agricultural institute.
Key Skills and Qualities
- Numbers oriented
- Strong communicator
- Ability to analyze data and make decisions
- Strong researching skills
- Ability to problem solve and make timely decisions
- Good at multitasking
- Good at public speaking, as well as one-on-one meetings
Average Salary
- Entry level salaries will range from £30,000 - £42,000
- Farming production specialists who have 7+ years of experience can make £43,000 - £63,000
- The average salary for senior farming production specialists is £53,000
