The viability of a farm is more often than not dependent upon running it as a business. An agribusiness consultant helps a farmer treat his farm as a business, to remain economically sustainable and financially profitable in a world that is rapidly and continuously changing.
Job Opportunities
Some farmers will engage consultant for a limited period to help restructure the farm business or set up a new enterprise; while others employ the services of an expert on an ongoing basis, whether to manage a particular aspect of the farm's operation (eg. finance or marketing) or to review and advise on all things to do with farm business on a regular basis.
Aspects of agribusiness consulting may be fulfilled by an accountant, bookkeeper, stock agent, or financial advisor.
Opportunities exist for business or financial companies to establish a focussed agribusiness consulting service. In doing so, they can develop specialised skills and attract a clientele that they might not otherwise attract.
Emerging economies can offer well paid opportunities if you are prepared to travel and live in a different country.
Remuneration
Remuneration can vary in this occupation depending on the number of farms you are consulting to and the sector of agriculture you are working in. Drought can also have a large effect not only on salary but availability of work for agribusiness consultants. Some farmers may not be able to afford to use the consultants in times of hardship. However, others may turn to consultants to improve farm productivity at these times.
Ways to get the Work
Farmers and other agricultural businesses may be inclined to seek services locally . A bookkeeper or financial advisor who is part of the local community may be more attractive to a farmer than an accountant from the big city.
Some agribusiness consultants carve a niche business by specialising in a particular type of enterprise. A business graduate who knows about pigs (for instance) will be a more attractive consultant to pig farmers than one who has no experience or knowledge about agriculture.
Risks and Stress Rating
The viability of any agricultural enterprise is dependent upon external factors such as weather (drought, flood) and markets (supply and demand; both local and overseas prices). When times are good, work opportunity and remuneration can be good; but when times are bad, the workplace can become more stressful and opportunities less certain. Enterprises that are less susceptible to such fluctuations are likely to be more secure, less stressful and offer more opportunity for advancements. This varies depending upon the type of farm, and the financial position of the employer.
Insurance
To work in this field, you should consider personal indemnity insurance. A Professional Indemnity policy aims to shield a professional worker's assets in the event of a claim, therefore ensuring that he/she is able to carry on their business. Most of the roles mentioned above are not filled by contractors and are more commonly recruited as casual or permanent positions. To minimise risk of liability, you must investigate and learn about the legal and professional requirements for practising in this field.
Recommended Courses/Career Pathways
One possible starting point might be a Certificate in Agriculture (click to see details)
An ideal pathway to an agribusiness consulting career would involve a three pronged preparation:
- Learn about Agriculture
- Learn about Business
- Get some experience with Agriculture
This could be achieved by undertaking a course that is experiential based (provides interactive experience with industry), and incorporates studies in both agriculture and business. This could be achieved through a self designed Associate Diploma (or higher qualification) through ACS Distance Education. To seek further advice use our course counselling service. click here