CareerZone Pennsylvania

Farm and Home Management Advisors

Description

Advise, instruct, and assist individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home economics activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to solve problems; instruct and train in product development, sales, and the utilization of machinery and equipment to promote general welfare. Includes county agricultural agents, feed and farm management advisers, home economists, and extension service advisors.

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree - Degree completed after 4 or 5 years of full-time schooling beyond high school.

Interests

Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Knowledge

English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Economics and Accounting	Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Food Production	Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Skills

Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
Science	Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Systems Analysis	Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Negotiation	Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Systems Evaluation	Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Tasks

• Collect and evaluate data in order to determine community program needs.
• Conduct agricultural research, analyze data, and prepare research reports.
• Advise farmers and demonstrate techniques in areas such as feeding and health maintenance of livestock, growing and harvesting practices, and financial planning.
• Collaborate with producers in order to diagnose and prevent management and production problems.
• Collaborate with social service and health care professionals in order to advise individuals and families on home management practices such as budget planning, meal preparation, and time management.
• Conduct classes or deliver lectures on subjects such as nutrition, home management, and farming techniques.
• Conduct field demonstrations of new products, techniques, or services.
• Schedule and make regular visits to farmers.
• Act as an advocate for farmers or farmers' groups.
• Maintain records of services provided and the effects of advice given.
• Organize, advise, and participate in community activities and organizations such as county and state fair events and 4-H Clubs.
• Prepare and distribute leaflets, pamphlets, and visual aids for educational and informational purposes.
• Provide direct assistance to farmers by performing activities such as purchasing or selling products and supplies, supervising properties, and collecting soil and herbage samples for testing.
• Research information requested by farmers.
• Set and monitor production targets.

Wages

Data not available

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 1,500 people employed in this field in Pennsylvania. It is projected that there will be 2,020 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about 52 openings due to growth and about 23 replacement openings for approximately 75 total annual openings. This occupation experienced significant growth.

Colleges and Training

Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.

• Agricultural and Extension Education ServicesA program that prepares individuals to provide referral, consulting, technical assistance, and educational services to gardeners, farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and other organizations. Includes instruction in basic agricultural sciences, agricultural business operations, pest control, adult education methods, public relations, applicable state laws and regulations, and communication skills.

For additional college information and related training about this career path, please visit:

AES EducationPlanner, PA Dept of Labor, PA Career Link, college.gov, and College Navigator

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