Agronomist

Benefits to primary industries

I provide information and advice to growers on crops and pastures. It’s my job to stay up-to-date on research and developments in the industry and to pass that advice on to growers. I also help them to understand and make decisions about managing their soil health, crops and pastures.

Where do you live?

I live on a farm just outside town.

What are some important skills?

I spend a lot of time reading new research and reports. I also talk to the fertiliser and seed companies to make sure I understand the developments in their industry and the new products they offer. I need to be able to identify the growing stages of different crops, pastures and weeds, as well as common pests and diseases of those plants, so I can advise my clients on the best management practices for their situations.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I love the contact with people and knowing that my job helps farmers to manage their businesses.

What are the main tools of the trade?

My phone, my computer and my car. I am on the road a lot visiting farmers and companies that produce fertilisers and herbicides. I keep in touch with the research stations and how their trials are going. I am subscribed to a lot of industry newsletters and magazines so I spend a lot of time reading and learning about new research and findings.

What training have you had?

I have a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from university and all the reading and researching that I do is like ongoing training.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I will still be an agronomist but I will probably be working for a different company.