Extension Agent

An Extension Agent is a mix between a Teacher and a County Agricultural Agent. Like a Teacher, the Extension Agent educates people on a variety of topics. And like a County Agricultural Agent, they work with Farmers to create different types of programs, and team up with 4-H clubs to help prepare the next generation of Farmers.

The big difference between an Extension Agent and a County Agricultural Agent, though, is that the Extension Agents doesn’t just focus on agricultural issues. As an Extension Agent, you work with rural residents of all types to educate on matters ranging from crop problems to business issues to community development.

This job calls for a lot of program planning. You figure out what people want to know more about, and talk with residents to gather information on what they consider to be the biggest problems facing the community and the biggest areas for improvement. With a subject for your program, you then figure out how to reach your intended audience. You might spread information by giving lectures, holding discussion groups, or sending out emails and flyers.

Collaboration is big in this role. You bring people together for the purpose of enhancing community relationships, growing business, and improving area leadership. You help Farmers or Farm Workers when they have questions or issues, and connect them with people who can help.

This might mean calling local agricultural experts if the problem is a farming one, or contacting the local government on the Farmers’ behalf. In general, you work to improve the economic and political aspects of farming.