A career in agricultural consultancy may appeal to you if you are interested in rural issues and would enjoy advising and supporting clients

Agricultural consultants and advisers solve problems for their clients, to ensure their business or enterprise is running as efficiently as possible. They must be aware of the business and legislative implications of their advice.

Clients may include:
farmers;
growers;
landowners;
conservation organisations;
public bodies;
other agricultural businesses in manufacturing and services.
Types of agricultural consultant
As an agricultural consultant, you would usually consult on either technical or business matters.

Technical consultants provide specialist advice on:

agronomy;
environment and conservation;
livestock;
nutrition;
waste management;
other technical applications.
Business consultants help with:

business planning;
estate and financial management advice for agricultural businesses and farms;
personnel management.

Responsibilities
As an agricultural consultant, you’ll need to:
visit clients to identify and evaluate their business and/or technical requirements;
assist clients with business planning, planning applications, government grant applications, legislative advice and new business ventures;
collect and analyse data, crop yield and financial reports to measure performance;
prepare or modify business or operating plans;
organise and conduct field trials to find solutions to clients' problems;
plan and implement improvements for the client such as using more effective pest control measures or finding more efficient ways to keep and feed livestock;
organise presentations, demonstrations, training and farm walks for clients, colleagues, partnership organisations, professional bodies and other interested groups;
communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with clients, colleagues and members of the public;
write advisory leaflets, technical notes and possibly press releases and articles;
market and promote consultancy services to new customers, while maintaining existing client relationships;
research and keep up to date with any relevant developments in agriculture;
carry out administrative duties, manage budgets and accounts, update information and prepare reports.

What to expect
Working time is usually split between the office and the outdoors, although this does vary depending on the role. For example, a crop consultant can expect to spend the majority of their time out of the office, while if research or analysis is part of the role time spent in a laboratory can be expected.
Opportunities for self-employment exist for those with experience and an established network of contacts. Self-employed consultants and advisers often work from home.
Opportunities are spread throughout the UK and individuals new to the industry need to be flexible about the location of their job.
Although previously a male-dominated occupation, more women are now entering the profession.
As a large proportion of time is spent away from the office visiting clients, it is not uncommon to spend long periods of time travelling alone by car. Absence from home overnight depends on the nature of the current job or project.

Qualifications
A degree in agriculture or another relevant subject is usually required. The following subjects may increase your chances:

agricultural engineering;
animal or biological science;
crop and plant science;
environmental science;
horticulture;
soil science.
Studying business management as part of a relevant degree course can be advantageous, particularly if you want to enter the business side of consultancy.

Entry is sometimes possible with an HND, although considerable relevant experience is also usually required. Agriculture and horticulture sciences are the subjects considered most relevant.

A Masters in a subject such as animal production or seed and crop technology may be advantageous for those wanting to enter the technical side. A PhD may also help, especially if your research is in an area in which you will offer specialist advice.

It may be possible to enter into the business side of consultancy with a business degree backed up with knowledge and experience of the agricultural industry. Postgraduate business qualifications are not likely to give a particular advantage.

Skills
You will need to have:
communication skills, for establishing and developing relationships with clients;
marketing, negotiation and advisory skills, for the development of new business opportunities and the building of a client base;
technical and analytical skills with the ability to explain findings clearly;
the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team;
financial skills and the ability to manage budgets;
a driving licence;
good attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
Work experience
Entry into agricultural consultancy and advisory work is competitive. A broad knowledge of agriculture and farm management is essential, as is experience of working in the industry. Without relevant experience it is difficult to find a way into an advisory or consultancy post.

Try to gain practical experience of farm management, rural surveying or planning, or other types of agricultural work. Speculative applications are often essential for trainee jobs and work experience opportunities, as many of these vacancies go unadvertised. Research potential employers thoroughly to ensure you make an informed application.