Agricultural Representatives, Consultants, and Specialists

(NOC 2123)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists assist and advise farmers on all aspects of farm management, cultivation, fertilization, harvesting, soil erosion and composition, disease prevention, nutrition, crop rotation and marketing. Agrologists study farm crops and animals and develop ways of improving their quantity and quality, and control pests and weeds more effectively. They also research ways of changing raw agricultural commodities into healthy food products for consumers. They work for businesses, institutions and governments that assist the farming community, or they may be self-employed.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Read more

  • Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
  • Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

  • Estimate 3410 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 5690 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$23.19

Minimum

$35.28

Median

$52.33

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$62,205

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Hourly Pay

$18.00

Minimum

$34.90

Median

$54.10

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists assist and advise farmers on all aspects of farm management, cultivation, fertilization, harvesting, soil erosion and composition, disease prevention, nutrition, crop rotation and marketing. Agrologists study farm crops and animals and develop ways of improving their quantity and quality, and control pests and weeds more effectively. They also research ways of changing raw agricultural commodities into healthy food products for consumers. They work for businesses, institutions and governments that assist the farming community, or they may be self-employed.

Job duties

Agricultural representatives, consultants, and specialists:

  • Counsel and advise farmers on crop cultivation and fertilization, harvesting, animal and poultry care, disease prevention, farm management, farm financing, marketing, and other agricultural subjects.
  • Prepare and present information sessions and lectures for farmers and other groups.
  • Research and analyze agricultural data and prepare research reports.
  • Communicate with researchers, educators and government or business managers on matters pertaining to farming and agriculture.
  • Maintain records of services provided and the effects of advice given.

Sample job titles

  • agricultural consultant
  • agricultural livestock specialist
  • agricultural soil and crop specialist
  • agriculturist
  • agrologist
  • agronomist
  • farm management consultant
  • irrigation consultant - agriculture
  • soil conservationist

Skills

  • You should enjoy diverse working conditions. Good observation skills and analytical abilities are also important. You must communicate and cooperate well with others, as agrologists often work in teams. A farming background is helpful but not necessary.

Job requirements

  • A bachelor's or master's degree in agriculture or in a related science.
  • Membership or eligibility for membership in a provincial institute of agrology is usually required.

Other considerations

  • There are no significant seasonal patterns of unemployment. Movement to management positions is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

95

employed in 2016

94.4%

employed full-time

16.7%

self employed

44.4%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
55.6%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
44.2

median age

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

25,875

employed in 2016

91.5%

employed full-time

7.6%

self employed

20.0%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
80%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

61.1%

North Shore

$66,833 median annual income
27.8%

Annapolis Valley

N/A
11.1%

Halifax

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

27.8%

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

22.2%

Professional, scientific and technical services

16.7%

Public administration

11.1%

Wholesale trade

11.1%

Finance and insurance

What is the age of Employment?

32.0%

35-44

21.0%

45-54

16.0%

65+

11.0%

55-64

11.0%

25-34

11.0%

15-24

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

24.2%

25-34

23.5%

45-54

23.4%

35-44

16.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

50.0%

Bachelor

$66,886 median annual income
38.9%

Master

$62,186 median annual income
11.1%

College Diploma

N/A
11.1%

Trade Certification

N/A

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

33.1%

College Diploma

$59,986 median annual income
29.8%

Bachelor

$63,965 median annual income
11.9%

High school

$45,835 median annual income
9.9%

Master

$65,105 median annual income
6.9%

Trade Certification

$57,773 median annual income

Education & training

Agricultural Business and Management

College, Trades, or University Program

These programs focus on modern business and economic principles involved in the organization, operation, and management of agricultural businesses.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture

Truro, NS

Agricultural Economics

College or University Program

These programs focus on applying economics to the analysis of resource allocation, productivity, investment, and trends in the agricultural sector, both domestically and internationally. They include courses in economics and related subfields as well as applicable agricultural fields.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture

Truro, NS

Agriculture - General

College, Trades, or University Program

These programs focus on agricultural research and production. They include courses in basic animal, plant, and soil science, animal husbandry and plant cultivation, soil conservation, and agricultural operations like farming, ranching, and agricultural business.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture

Truro, NS

Crop Production

College, Trades, or University Program

These programs prepare students to cultivate grain, fibre, forage, oilseed, fruits and nuts, vegetables, and other domesticated plant products. They include courses in basic principles of plant science, health, and nutrition as applied to particular species and breeds, soil preparation and irrigation, pest management, planting and harvesting operations, product marketing, and applicable issues of safety, regulation, logistics, and supply.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture

Truro, NS

International Agriculture

College or University Program

These programs apply agricultural management and scientific principles to the problems of global food production and distribution, and to the study of the agricultural systems of other countries. They include courses in agricultural economics, comparative agricultural systems, international agribusiness and law, third-world development studies and economic development, and global applications of climate, soil, water resources, ecological and environmental studies, and animal and plant sciences.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture

Truro, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

Regulations

Agrologist

Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.

Regulating body:
Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists
Bible Hill, NS
No contacts were found under this occupation profile

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.