We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- Advise farmers on soil management & crop production
- You'll need excellent verbal communication skills
- Specialise in precision farming methods
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Advising farmers on land management and how to improve their crop yields
- Studying soil, water and other factors which affect crop growth
- Creating chemical treatment plans to keep crops free of pests and weeds
- Recording information on plant growth and environmental conditions,
- Carrying out field trials to solve clients' crop problems
- Keeping up to date with product developments and legislation
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work in an office, on a farm, at a research facility or visit sites. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with excellent verbal communication skills, business management skills and the ability to work well with others.
You'll need to have a driving licence for this role.
There's no set route to become an agronomist but it may be helpful to do a foundation degree or degree in agriculture, biology, ecology, crop and plant science or soil science.
You could also work towards this role by doing a relevant college course like a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture.
It's really useful to get as much arable farming experience as possible.
You could study for the BASIS Foundation Award in Agronomy if you're new to the industry and have limited crop experience and knowledge. This will give you an introduction to agronomy, crop protection and crop nutrition.
You can also apply for a graduate training scheme if you have a degree. Schemes are offered by independent consultancies or companies selling agro-chemicals, seed or fertiliser products.
You'll need the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection if you're advising on or selling pesticides in the UK. This is a legal requirement.
You could join the Association of Independent Crop Consultants and BASIS, for professional recognition and training opportunities.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could specialise in precision farming methods or developing nutrition plans for fruit or vegetable crops. You could also study for a postgraduate master's degree, like soil science or genetics, and become a consultant.