Agricultural Extension Agent Career Profile Print 123ducu/Getty Images Table of Contents Expand Duties of an Extension Agent Career Options Education and Training Salary Career Outlook By Mary Hope Kramer Mary Hope Kramer Executive Office Manager/Animal Industry Writer Berry College Mary Hope Kramer works in the equine industry and has a passion for careers in the animal industry. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on 10/31/19 For those looking to provide education and support to the agricultural community, the job of an extension agent may represent an exciting career path. Agricultural extension agents present information about industry advances that may positively impact local farmers and livestock producers. Learn more about this interesting career to determine if it's right for you. Duties of an Extension Agent Agricultural extension agents travel throughout their region or district to provide the latest industry information to farmers, ranchers, community groups, and youth groups. They may present details on scientific advances, farm management, marketing, production, and other topics that are relevant to agricultural businesses operating in their area. Agents must be familiar with the types of agricultural operations that are taking place in their territory. These pursuits may include beef production, dairy farming, irrigated crop farming, fruit farming, egg production, horse breeding, swine production, and more. Agents must also be familiar with the technical terminology, equipment, and other concerns related to each area of production. Significant travel may be a part of the job, especially if the agent is assigned a large territory. Agents may visit farms, ranches, hatcheries, dairies, stables, orchards, fields, bee farms, aquaculture facilities, and a variety of other agricultural business locations during the course of their day. Agents may also be required to attend a variety of community activities such as conventions, fairs, college events, camps, and 4-H shows. Agricultural extension agents may be required to work evenings and weekends, though many are able to work normal day shift hours. Work for this position may take place both indoors and outdoors, so agents must be prepared to deal with changing weather conditions and temperature extremes. Agents must also exercise due caution when working around large animals in the field. Taking proper safety precautions can prevent serious injuries from occurring. Sound knowledge of animal behavior can be invaluable for those agents who liaise with animal producers. Career Options There are many employers that hire agricultural extension agents, though they are usually affiliated with government agencies at the federal, state, or local levels. Agricultural extension agents may also find employment with land-grant universities, research organizations, and community education groups. Some agents also teach courses through universities or community colleges. After working as a field agent, agricultural extension personnel may advance to positions of more responsibility such as multi-county positions, directorships, or program leadership roles. Some extension agents also become involved with 4-H programs and other youth organizations by taking a supervisory role. Education and Training Aspiring agricultural extension agents must complete significant educational requirements to be considered for a position. An entry-level position in the field of agricultural extension requires a bachelor’s degree at minimum. Master’s degrees are preferred for many positions and greatly enhance an applicant’s resume. The degree that an extension agent holds may be in one of many areas including education, agriculture, animal science, or other related fields. Coursework that provides training in communications, technology, public relations, agricultural marketing, mathematics, and life sciences prepares the aspiring extension agent well for this career path. New agricultural extension agents generally complete additional training courses once they are hired, before they begin their fieldwork. Agricultural extension agents may also join a variety of national and local professional membership groups. The National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) and the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4HA) are two such groups that may provide valuable information, education, and industry contacts. Salary According to Payscale, the average salary for extension agents is $45,551 as of late 2019. Of course, starting salaries for new agents are markedly lower. In Kentucky, for example, new extension agents with a bachelor’s degree and no work experience start out at a base salary rate of $35,500. Those with a master’s degree and no work experience start out at a base salary rate of $39,500. In North Carolina, new extension agents started out at a similar salary of $35,000 with a bachelor’s degree and a salary of $40,000 if they held a master’s degree. Career Outlook The agricultural extension agent career path should remain a solid option for those candidates who have a background in farming or production and the skill to educate professionals in the industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job growth for agricultural positions should be about as fast as the average for all careers from 2008 to 2018. Individuals with advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or Ph.D., will continue to have the best opportunities for advancement in the field.