Agricultural consultant
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work evenings or weekends
- Usually work in offices and on farms and may travel locally and nationally
- May work in all weather conditions
- Need to be organised, communicate well and work well independently
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Advise farmers and organisations on farm practices
- Assess farm results and performance
- Design pasture and livestock systems
- Recommend fertiliser and soil improvements
- Identify pests, weeds and disease risks
- Analyse farm data and budgets
- Create farm plans and action steps
- Help farms recruit workers
- Train workers in farm safety
- Help workers meet rules and standards
Outlook
New Zealand’s agriculture sector remains a key part of the economy, with generally positive but variable outlooks across dairy, meat and horticulture. Growth is supported by global demand, but challenged by rising costs, environmental regulations and changing trade conditions. Consultants play a role as farmers increasingly seek expert advice on productivity, sustainability, and adapting to global market and climate pressures.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong understanding of farming systems
- Ability to analyse data and give practical advice
- Good communication and relationship-building skills
- Problem-solving in changing conditions
- Awareness of sustainability and environmental issues
- Commercial thinking and decision-making
AUT programmes
- Biological Science Major - Bachelor of Science
- Food Science Major - Bachelor of Science
- Environmental Science Major - Bachelor of Science
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.