Occupations - Agricultural Extension Agent

The following material is quoted from the occupational guide for Agricultural Extension Agents on the FFA Career Explorer site

General Information

Organizes and conducts cooperative extension program to advise and instruct farmers and individuals engaged in agribusiness in applications of agricultural research findings.

Career Information:

Agricultural Extension Agents give information and guidance to the public on community, youth and human development issues as well as agricultural, environmental, economic and rural concerns. Extension agents teach improved methods to farmers, ranchers, families and youth. Working with federal and state extension specialists, agents collect, analyze and evaluate agricultural data in order to plan and develop techniques that will assist farmers in solving problems. For example, an Agricultural Extension Agent may research soil erosion prevention methods and make recommendations to a farmer who has a soil erosion problem. Agricultural Extension Agents lead workshops for agricultural groups on topics such as, range management, soil and water management, solar and wind energy, farm and wildlife management and other matters that affect the land. They may give talks on lawn grasses, shrubs, weeds, crop strains, production and marketing skills. Agents prepare fact sheets, reports, press releases, audio tapes, teaching videos and brochures. Agricultural Extension Agents also give lectures and prepare articles on subjects, such as farm management and soil conservation. They keep in touch with the local press, radio and television media to provide accurate information to the public. As informal teachers, extension agents may work with farmers one-on-one or in groups. They may give advice in person, on the phone, by letter, in their office or at meetings. Agents work with people in meetings, camps, projects, satellite conferences, tours, fairs and special events. Extension agents develop and coordinate programs for youth through the 4-H program. Agricultural Extension Agents may supervise staff who work on specific projects or subject matter such as nutrition, gardening, parenting or animal sciences. They also organize community-wide volunteer recruitment programs and meet one on one with prospective volunteers, as well as with committees of volunteers. They train volunteers and develop programs that teach life skills and guide young people in citizenship and leadership activities.

Educational Requirements:

4 year degree

Suggested High School/Collegiate Courses:

Agriculture, family and consumer sciences, community and youth development or education. Masters degree preferred.

Skills Necessary:

Mathematical , Analytical , Responsible , Goal Oriented , Customer Service , Logical , Negotiating , Investigative , Helps Others , Orderly Minded , Initiative , Good Judgement , Inquisitive , Determination , Confidence , Innovativeness , Outgoing Personality , Motivational , Persistent , Oral Communications , Interpersonal , Creative , Highly Motivated , Organizational , Motivational , Scientific , Dependable , Patience , Adapts to Change , Team Player , Work independently , Decision Making , Enthusiatic , Computer Skills , Written Communications , Self-Motivated , Leadership , Detail Oriented , Tactful , Presentational , Research , Technical , Basic Business Principles

Job Availability

Good Growth

Location of jobs:

Federal, state local government, universities, research facilities or extension offices

Working Conditions:

Wide variety of indoors and outdoors. Work with people, equipment and technology.