National
| Median wages (2008) |
$19.97 hourly, $41,530 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
15,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
3,000 additional employees |
25-9021.00 - Farm and Home Management Advisors
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.
Sample of reported job titles:
Extension Agent, Agricultural Extension Educator, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, Family Development Extension Specialist, Family Life Field Specialist, Family Resource Management Extension Specialist, Farm Business Management Agent, Farm Management Specialist
Tasks
- Collaborate with producers in order to diagnose and prevent management and production problems.
- Conduct classes or deliver lectures on subjects such as nutrition, home management, and farming techniques.
- Advise farmers and demonstrate techniques in areas such as feeding and health maintenance of livestock, growing and harvesting practices, and financial planning.
- Research information requested by farmers.
- Prepare and distribute leaflets, pamphlets, and visual aids for educational and informational purposes.
- Collect and evaluate data in order to determine community program needs.
- Maintain records of services provided and the effects of advice given.
- Schedule and make regular visits to farmers.
- Organize, advise, and participate in community activities and organizations such as county and state fair events and 4-H Clubs.
- 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.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Desktop computers |
| Notebook computers — Laptop computers |
| Overhead projectors — Overhead display projectors |
| Personal computers |
| Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers — Personal digital assistants PDA |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Graphics or photo imaging software — Image editing software |
| Internet browser software — Microsoft Internet Explorer; Web browser software |
| Map creation software — ESRI ArcGIS software; Geographic information system GIS software |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
