Other names for Agricultural Advisor:

What is an Agricultural Advisor?

An Agricultural Advisor supports established and developing farmers, as well as to anyone in the agribusiness.

The Agricultural Advisor develops a strong connection with the agricultural sector in a specific region and determines its farming needs and progress.

A major way in which Agricultural Advisors support farmers and agribusinesses is by conducting demonstrations, training classes and programs.

Agricultural Advisors will also strategize and implement plans for agricultural/rural development.

What does an Agricultural Advisor do?

• schedules frequent visits to farmers and business
• identifies agricultural methodological and production problems
• collaborates with farmers and agri-businesses to develop new strategies for production
• advises farmers on farming techniques, feed, equipment, livestock, etc
• holds training sessions and demonstrations
• records and manages progress.
• writes reports

Are you … ?

• a people person?
• a leader?
• organized?
• able to explain ideas clearly and effectively?
• someone who enjoys being outside?
• interested in solving problems?

How do I become an Agricultural Advisor?

The following degrees would be most beneficial to have in order to become an Agricultural Advisor:

• Bachelor of Agriculture
• Bachelor of Science Agriculture
• Bachelor of Science Horticulture
• Bachelor of Commerce Agribusiness Management
• Bachelor of Science Agriculture in Animal Science
• Bachelor of Science Agriculture in Animal Science/Pasture Science

Institutions that may offer these courses:

• North West University
• University of KZN
• University of Limpopo

• ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Agricultural Inspector … or … Agronomist … or … Farm Worker

Is becoming an Agricultural Advisor the right career choice for me?

Other names for Forester:

Forest Pathologist
Forest Ranger
Forestry Consultant / Advisor
Forestry Researcher
Silviculturist
Wood Scientist
Wood Technologist

What is a Forester?

Foresters are in demand locally and internationally!

A Forester is a person who specialises in forestry (the science, art, and profession of managing forests).

A Forester’s job is to manage a forestry plantation, staff and its contractors.

Foresters engage in a broad range of activities including timber harvesting, ecological restoration and management of protected areas.

Foresters manage forests to provide a variety of objectives including direct extraction of raw material, outdoor recreation, conservation, hunting and aesthetics.

What does a Forester do?

• supervises fire-fighting crews
• organises replanting after fires
• works to prevent timber damage resulting from insects, diseases, fire and other causes
• works to prevent soil erosion and flood damage
• calculates timber available for harvesting
• keeps up to date with surveys, maps and road-building plans in the area
• manages and protects wildlife
• managse recreational activities like hunting, fishing, camping and hiking in the area
• makes sure regulations and laws are protected
• manages budgets
• maintains good working relations with the local farmers and communities
• meets with staff and contractors
• negotiates the use of common roads and the maintenance thereof

Are you … ?

• a nature lover?
• able to work on your own in remote areas?
• self motivated?
• open minded?
• innovative?
• able to negotiate?
• decisive?
• able to manage staff and contractors?
• able to apply the law?

How do I become a Forester?

To become a Forester you have to have a National Diploma (Forestry), B Tech (Forestry) and/or Bachelor of Science degree (Forestry) and/or Business Degree.  

To head up a forest, years of working experience in this area are an added advantage.

‘Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) graduates have enjoyed 100% placement for many years, even during the economic slowdown, according to Ms Alet van Tonder, Marketing and Corporate Relations Manager at the George Campus.’ – SA Forestry Magazine

• BURSARIES

• SA FORESTRY MAGAZINE

Offers more details with regarding training institutions.  They are only a guide, so be sure to check with your institution of choice for their details and minimum requirements.

• FORT COX COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

Fort Cox academic programmes received full accreditation from CHE.

PATH 1

National Diploma in Forestry

PATH 2

Relevant Diploma

Bachelor of Technology in Forestry / Wood Technology

PATH 3

Bachelor of Science in Forestry 

PATH 3

Relevant SACNASP Recognised Honours Qualification 

Workplace Experience 

Registration with SACNASP

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Wood Scientist … or … Wind-Energy Developer  

Is becoming a Forester the right career choice for me?

What is an Agricultural Food Scientist?

Agricultural Scientists study the commercial farming of plants and animals as well as the cultivation techniques to improve the quality, productivity and sustainability of farms.

The work of Agricultural Scientists plays an important part in maintaining the country’s food supply by ensuring agricultural productivity and food safety.

Many Agricultural Scientists work in basic or applied research and development.

Basic research: 

seeks to understand the biological and chemical processes by which crops and livestock grow, such as determining the role of a particular gene in plant growth 

Applied research: 

uses this knowledge to discover ways to improve the quality, quantity, or safety of agricultural products

Agricultural Scientists may also manage research and development programs, monitoring production operations in companies that produce food products or agricultural chemicals, supplies, and machinery.

Some Agricultural Scientists may also consult.

What does an Agricultural Food Scientist do?

• they collect and analyse data and samples of produce, feed, soil etc
• they study farm crops and animals and develop ways of improving their quantity and quality
• they study environmental factors affecting crop production, pasture growth and breeding programs
• they study the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects and plant diseases on animal and crop production
• they develop strategies and techniques for solving agricultural problems
• they develop ways to conserve soil and water
• they advise farmers and managers on new techniques for improving the production
• they advise farmers on crop disease, pest control, including weeds, soil improvement, breeding and feeding programs

Are you … ?

• interested in farming?
• passionate about science?
• willing to travel?
• inquisitive?
• able to analyse and solve problems?
• observant?
• a good communicator?
• able to write reports?
• able to make accurate observations?
• organised?

How do I become an Agricultural Food Scientist?

One needs to study an agricultural degree or diploma.  Most universities and universities of technology offer this. 

• THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

It has a completely separate department for Food Science.  They offer a variety of Bachelor of Science degrees. 

Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences 

Recommended Subjects: Accounting, Economics, Agricultural Sciences, Life Sciences

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Other names for Agricultural Technician:

What is an Agricultural Technician?

Agricultural Technicians assist agricultural scientists in their work and assist with the collection of information. Agricultural technicians also give advice and information to the farming industry.

There are 3 groups of Agricultural Technicians:

Agricultural Resource Technicians:

Work together with the agricultural resource officer
Involved in the classification, description and plotting of a region’s natural resources. 

Agricultural Extension Technicians:

Assist the agricultural extension officer
Collect information to determine the needs of extension 

Agricultural Research Technicians:

Help the agricultural researchers.

What does an Agricultural Technician do?

• records data from agricultural and animal research
• collects samples from crops or animals
• writes reports and analyses of research findings
• plans and implements research programs for the breeding of animals.
• provides care for livestock and examines them for diseases or other problems.
• performs farming duties involved in crop production

Are you … ?

• hands on
• interested in research
• someone who likes working outside
• detail oriented
• reliable

How do I become an Agricultural Technician?

PATH 1

• Learnership in Agriculture: NQF Level 5

PATH 2

• National Certificate in Agriculture: NQF Level 5
• University of Venda

PATH 3

• National Diploma in Agriculture
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Mangosutho University of Technology

PATH 4

• National Diploma in Agriculture: Botany
• National Diploma in Nature Conservation
• National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
• National Diploma in Agriculture (Animal Production)

These National Diplomas can be obtained at most universities in South Africa.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Other names for Agricultural Economist:

Agricultural Economist
Development Finance Project Analyst
Econometrician
Economic Advisor
Economic Analyst
Economic Consultant
Economic Forecaster
Environmental Economist
Financial Economist
Health Economist
Industrial Economist
Labour Market Economist
Macro-economist
Micro-economist
Mineral Economist
Price Economist
Research Economist
Small Business Economist
Taxation Economist

What is an Agricultural Economist?

An Agricultural Economist analyses economic and social phenomena in the world and its impact on agriculture.

Research is an important part of the career.

An Agricultural Economist should have mathematical skills, be intuitive and have excellent communication skills.

They may work in the private or government sector, non-profit organizations, academic institutions and/or research centres.

Some career opportunities include:

• Agribusiness Management
• Financial services

What does an Agricultural Economist do?

• monitors economic changes in agriculture
• devises methods and procedures for obtaining required data
• understands various sampling techniques that may be used to conduct different types of surveys
• creates, as well as usse, various mathematical modelling techniques to develop forecasts
• applies models of economic behaviour to agricultural changes and developments
• advises agricultural organisations on costs and benefits of options
• advises government, employers or trade unions on the economic implications of agricultural policy options
• produces various numerical and non-numerical written reports
• supplies information on agricultural market trends to the press

Are you … ?

• good at mathematics and statistics?
• analytical?
• interested in business?
• interested in agriculture?
• a person who loves research?
• excellent with computer skills?
• accurate?

How do I become an Agricultural Economist?

• THE AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA

A 3 year Bachelor of Commerce in Agricultural Economics and post-grad degrees can be done at most universities.

Minimum requirements:  

Vary from one institution to another – please check your university of choice for theirs. 
Mathematics Level 4 or higher – is, however compulsory.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OFO No: 612101

Other names for Livestock Farmer:

Feedlot Manager
Game Farmer
Livestock Farm Foreman
Livestock Production Supervisor
Pig Farmer
Race Horse Stables Manager
Race Horse Transport Manager

What is a Livestock Farmer?

Livestock Farmers will usually farm one kind of animal for food (meat, eggs, milk etc) or for clothing (leather, wool, feathers etc). 

For example: cows, sheep, goats, horses, llamas, pigs, game, poultry, fish, bees, etc.

Livestock Farmers will also make sure that all the parts of the farmed animal are used, eg:  organs are used for medicines like insulin, hooves and horns are used for buttons, combs, glues and knives and the manure from these animals will be sold to make plants grow better.

What does a Livestock Farmer do?

• keeps up to date and researches different breeding methods to ensure strong, healthy stock
• attends livestock auctions and buys new bloodlines
• selects suitable males for breeding purposes
• inspects herds/flocks etc for injuries and diseases
• liaises with veterinarians where necessary
• monitors fields, paddocks, barns etc
• inspects machinery, services and maintains it good working order
• sells stock
• feeds livestock with grazing and provides water 
• adds vitamins, minerals, and protein so that the animals stay healthy
• depending on animal – provides housing or shelter

Are you … ?

• passionate about farming?
• a person who cares for the well-being of animals?
• willing to work outdoors?
• physically strong and healthy?
• patient and persistent?
• self motivated?
• flexible?
• a problem solver?
• mechanical?
• entrepreneurial?
• a person with a head for business?

How do I become a Livestock Farmer?

Most Livestock Farmers usually work on their family farm collecting experience and skills through this method. 

However, if you would like to go into livestock farming and maybe manage a farm – here are a few institutions that will give you various qualifications that could equip you with all the necessary skills.

PATH 1

Workplace experience (learning and working from the bottom up)

PATH 2

Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) Level 3 

General Education and Training Certificate in Agriculture

PATH 3

Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) Level 3 

National Certificate in Agriculture (N1, N2 and N3)

PATH 4

Minimum Grade 9

National Certificate (Vocational) in Agriculture  (NQF Level 2, 3 and 4)

PATH 5

Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) Level 3 

Learnership – Animal Production NQF Level 1 , 2 and 3

PATH 6

Matric

Certificate in Agriculture

PATH 7

Matric

Diploma in Agriculture (Livestock) 

PATH 8

Bachelor of Agriculture (Livestock)

PATH 9

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Livestock) NQF Level 07

PATH 10

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture  (Livestock) NQF Level 08

Livestock Farmers might also study business degrees, animal husbandry, or any other form of skill that might assist them to improve their farming techniques, production of managing skills.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Horse Breeder … or … Beekeeper

Is becoming a Livestock Farmer the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 213203

Other names for Wood Scientist:

Forester
Forest Pathologist
Forest Ranger
Forestry Consultant / Advisor
Forestry Researcher
Silviculturist
Wood Technologist

What is a Wood Scientist?

A Wood Scientist studies the physical, chemical and biological properties of wood to find ways of processing the raw material into different products such as pulp, paper, construction timber and into products such as chipboard, fibre board and laminated beams.

Wood is a renewable but expensive commodity and Wood Scientists find ways to use every scrap of the raw material.

Chipboard was invented when people noticed piles of sawdust going to waste at sawmills. Wood Scientists ‘invented’ a new type of wood by mixing the sawdust with modern wood glues, making sure nothing went to waste.

Paper is a vital part of the modern world and all our lives. Can you imagine a life without paper or cardboard? Wood Scientists use their skills and training to find new ways and processes to produce paper-based products.

They also work in other fields such as primary processing (timber treating), plywood manufacture, fibre and particle board manufacture and saw-milling, secondary processing (furniture, joinery, building and timber construction) and other (research, marketing, labour and training).

What does a Wood Scientist do?

• finds raw materials – mostly timber
• prepares, stores and controls of raw materials
• converts raw materials in a cost-effective way into products that can be sold
• stores and controls finished products
• markets different products
• manages staff, as well as, costs, product quality and safety
• maintains equipment
• provides in-service training
• carries out scientific and industrial research

Are you … ?

• interested in raw materials like wood?
• scientifically astute?
• good at mathematics?
• a creative thinker?
• organised?
• a good communicator?
• observant?

How do I become a Wood Scientist?

• STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY

Offers a Bachelor of Science degree BSc Wood Science

Another way to approach this career is to do a Bachelor of Engineering  – BEng (Chemical Engineering) with special emphasis on pulp and paper subjects from the third year.

Most universities offer a BSc Eng (Chemical) but only some offer the specialisation.

Check your local institution about their programmes.

PATH 1

National Diploma in Forestry

PATH 2

Relevant Diploma

Bachelor of Technology in Forestry / Wood Technology

PATH 3

Bachelor of Science in Forestry 

• University of KZN

University of Stellenbosch

PATH 3

Relevant SACNASP Recognised Honours Qualification 

Workplace Experience 

Registration with SACNASP

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Forester … or … Aboriculturist

Is becoming a Wood Scientist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 612901

Other names for Bird Farm Manager:

• Avian Farmer
• Avian Farm Foreman
• Avian Production Supervisor

What is a Bird (Avian) Farm Manager?

A Bird (Avian) Farmer Manager specialises in breeding various types of birds. 

For example: exotic species for pet shops or export or breeding chicks for poultry and/or egg-producing farmers. 

(A special permit is necessary to export birds).

What does a Bird (Avian) Farm Manager do?

• protects birds from natural enemies
• makes sure birds are healthy at all times
• feeds, waters birds
• studies the diets of the birds
• shelters the birds from bad weather
• makes sure their birds’ area is similar to its natural habitat
• talks with customers and farmers
• stays up to date on the current market

Are you … ?

• allergic to feathers and/or dust?  If YES, this career choice is not recommended!
• love birds and nature?
• interested in farming?
• love biology?
• willing to work long hours with stinky smells?
• a person enjoys being outdoors?
• self-motivated?
• a thinker?
• responsible?
• patient?
• calm under pressure?
• mechanically minded?

How do I become a Bird (Avian) Farm Manager?

Training is usually required on the job.  Working with an experienced Bird Farmer is the way to go.  No special training is available to become a bird-farm manager, however a love of birds is very important. 

A degree or diploma in farm management and/or further studies in avian science would be recommended.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Examples of some institutions which offe a BSc degree in Animal Sciences:

• UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences

• STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY 

Department of Animal Sciences

• UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE

Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences

• UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL

Department of Animal and Poultry Science

• UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE

Department of Livestock and Pasture Science

• UNIVERSITY OF THE NORTHWEST

Department of Animal Production

• UNIVERSITY OF VENDA

Department of Animal Science

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Beekeeper … or … Animal Breeder

Is becoming a Bird (Avian) Farm Manager the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Floriculturist?

Floriculture may be a bright and colourful career choice for you!

Floriculture, or flower farming, is a horticultural discipline. 

A Floriculturist focuses on the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens, floral industry and for export. They also develop new varieties.

A proportion of flower farming takes place in greenhouses, but most are produced outdoors eg: herbaceous plants, flowers and cut flowers.

Those employed in the flower growing sector are likely to do some of the following:

• grows and harvests of commercial flowers (retail and export)
• manages flower seeds and essential oil crops
• manages and maintains fields and controlled growing environments
• manages post-harvest treatments and production of plant products (dried flowers etc)

Floriculture may provide an interesting and exciting career for those seeking outdoor work involving growing, harvesting and preparing flowers and foliage for sale.

What does a Floriculturist do?

• meets with potential clients, retail and market-drive people to discuss orders
• propagates, grows and markets of all cut flowers, flower seeds and seedlings
• grows bulbs
• assists with nursery operation
• treats disease through chemical protection of plants
• facilitates post-harvesting storage of raw materials and products
• handles preservatives
• keeps records
• works within budgets, keeps books, sends out invoices, collects monies

Are you … ?

• passionate about flowers?
• a lover of the outdoors?
• willing to work under all kinds of weather conditions?
• observant?
• patient?
• practical?
• mechanically & technically minded?
• able to work with budgets?
• a good communicator and negotiator?

How do I become a Floriculturist?

There are no direct Floricultural training courses to be had at the moment, however to get into this exciting field you will have to take a slightly different route.

• AGRI SKILLS TRANSFER (Pty) LTD

Offers National Certificates in Plant Production NQF Level 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
General Education and Training Certificate: Ornamental Horticulture NQF Level 1
They also offer a variety of other courses which may help you.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Farmer (Crop) … or … Florist

Is becoming a Floriculturist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Viticulturist?

Viticulturists are also known as grape growers. The job of a Viticulturist is to grow grapes for the purpose of making wine.

Viticulture is the study of the science of growing grapes which covers:

• study of vine selection
• irrigation styles
• planting techniques
• pest and disease management
• optimal harvesting

The process starts by preparing the soil for planting the seedlings, whose growth is monitored on a regular basis.

Supports, called trellises, are constructed for the young vines to grow along and to keep them up.

The canopies – (the way in which the leaves form a tent) – are managed by the viticulturists.

What does a Viticulturist do?

• prepares the soil before planting vines
• identifies and controls pests and diseases
• prunes and maintains vineyard
• works out the production costs
• keeps up to  date with technology
• supervises workers
• organises picking of grapes
• checks the quality of the grapes
• transports grapes

Are you … ?

• interested in farming or in wine making?
• passionate about the outdoors?
• physical and strong?
• willing to work long hours?
• a good manager?
• a person with a head for business?

How do I become a Viticulturist?

• UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH 

A Bachelors (BScAgric) in Viticulture and Oenology can be obtained from the University of Stellenbosch to qualify as a wine maker. 

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Wine Steward/Sommelier … or … Wine Maker

Is becoming a Viticulturist the right career choice for me?