In the early 1900s, agriculture accounted for 41% of the U.S. workforce. Today, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, less than 2% of the population works in agriculture. There were many small, diversified farms in the 20th century; in the 21st, there are far fewer farms, and they are much larger and much more specialized.

Despite these major shifts in the way farming is done, crop production has increased by 186% and livestock production by 140% over the last seven decades in the U.S. So much has changed in agriculture, and much of that is thanks to advancements in technology. As Robert Erwin, Director of Cultivation at Copperstate Farms, puts it, “Every day is different. Every crop is different. Every year is different. There’s always something to look forward to.” This dynamic nature is what draws many to this vital field.

That’s why this industry is looking towards the future to stay ahead of rushing populations and changing environments. With smaller staff, exponentially higher production rates and an increased dependence on technology and chemistry, modern farmers are turning to crop advisers to help them maximize their profits and minimize their carbon footprint.

What is a certified crop adviser?

Crop advisers—sometimes referred to as an agronomist or agricultural consultant—are the trusted experts who help farmers make informed decisions about their crops. They utilize their extensive knowledge of crops, soil, pests, diseases and agronomic practices to help farmers to optimize crop production while minimizing environmental impact.

Their role is multifaceted, and any given day will include a wide range of responsibilities.

• Crop management is what farmers tend to think of when they’re calling on a crop adviser. They help streamline operations by assessing fields, diagnosing problems and developing comprehensive crop management plans. This includes making recommendations on things like seed selection, planting, fertilization, pest control, irrigation and harvest timing.
• Soil health and fertility are another important area of expertise for a certified crop adviser. They conduct soil tests, analyze nutrient levels and advise on soil amendments to improve soil health and fertility, promoting long-term sustainability.
• Assessing pest control efficacy and evaluating disease management strategy is also part of the process. Crop advisers identify and monitor pest and disease pressures, recommending integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that prioritize environmentally friendly solutions.
• Crop advisers champion sustainable farming practices. They do this by promoting techniques like cover cropping, crop rotation and conservation tillage to protect soil and water resources.
• Data analysis and technology are a big part of the job. Crop advisers use precision agriculture tools and data analysis to optimize input use, improve efficiency and maximize yields.

Career paths for certified crop advisers

The title crop adviser is a broad one, often used interchangeably with other roles. This is because they are qualified for many roles in agriculture. The broad nature of the title can provide the experience needed to work in many different subspecialties of the agriculture industry.

Robert Erwin has had a storied career that has kept him engaged and challenged for a lifetime. “I took an interest in horticulture when I was really young,” he explained. “I made a career plan with my headmaster when I was 12, which involved going to college, earning a degree in horticultural science and going on to become a grower.

“My interest was in greenhouse vegetables or any greenhouse crop. That’s basically what I did for about 50 years—growing greenhouse vegetables at a fairly large scale. In my latter years, I was getting a bit bored and looking for a challenge. Cannabis gave me the challenge I needed at that stage and that’s how I ended up at Copperstate Farms.”

A few of the more common career pathways certified crop advisers go on to take include roles such as:

• Independent crop consultant
• Certified crop adviser (CCA)
• Agronomist
• Sales agronomist
• Soil scientist
• Precision agriculture specialist
• Pest management consultant

If you’re passionate about agriculture, enjoy problem-solving and want to make a positive impact on food production and environmental sustainability, a career as a crop adviser could be a fulfilling path for you.

Where they work

Some of the places you might find yourself working as a crop adviser might include:

• Agribusiness companies: Large agricultural companies often employ crop advisers to provide technical support to their sales teams, develop product recommendations and conduct field trials.
• Cooperatives: Farmer-owned cooperatives hire crop advisers to assist their members with crop management decisions, provide educational programs and offer agronomic services.
• Independent crop consulting firms: Many crop advisers work for independent consulting firms, offering their expertise to a wide range of clients, including individual farmers, large agricultural operations and agribusiness companies.
• Government agencies: Government agencies at the federal, state and local levels employ crop advisers to conduct research, develop educational programs, enforce regulations and provide technical assistance to farmers.

Career progression

With experience and continued professional development, crop advisers can advance to various positions, such as:

• Senior crop adviser: Take on more responsibility for client management, mentoring junior advisers and developing specialized expertise in a particular area.
• Sales representative: Transition into sales roles for agricultural companies, utilizing your agronomic knowledge to promote and sell products to farmers.
• Management: Move into management positions within agricultural companies, cooperatives or consulting firms, overseeing teams of crop advisers and directing agronomic services.
• Entrepreneur: Start your own independent crop consulting business, offering specialized services to a niche market or region.

Salary

Salaries for crop advisers vary depending on experience, education, location and employer. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an agricultural and food scientist in the U.S. is $78,770 per year, while a soil and plant scientist earned $71,410. However, experienced advisers with advanced degrees or specialized skills may earn significantly more.

Why should you become a certified crop adviser?

A career as a crop adviser offers a unique blend of intellectual challenge, hands-on fieldwork and the satisfaction of contributing to a vital industry. It’s a rewarding role that has the potential to make an impact on the economy and the environment. Erwin loves the challenges that the technical side of growing brings, which is so important in the face of changing climates.

Crop advisers help farmers produce bountiful, high-quality crops that quite literally feed the world. Your expertise will ensure food security and support the agricultural economy. But his attraction to this field is the inevitable changes and new hurdles that each day continues to bring him. “Every day is different. Every crop is different. Every year is different. There’s always something to look forward to.”

For those who love nature and enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll find yourself in your element. Your expertise will support a diverse range of crops, each with its own unique problems and benefits. Solving these problems will require you to stay on the cutting edge of research and technology. You’ll tackle complex issues related to crop production, sustainability and resource management.

You will work independently at times, but others you will work closely with farmers and agronomists. The relationships you build with agriculture professionals play an important part in solving complex crop challenges and achieving shared goals. Not all crops are created equal, either. Some require far more experience and finesse to grow.

“Cannabis is a fairly challenging crop to grow,” Erwin explained. “It’s more than just simply growing—the quality side of it is complex because it is a medicinal product. It’s much more difficult to achieve the type of results you want with cannabis. The customer is basically looking for a specific chemical combination and you have to achieve that. So it’s definitely complex and challenging.

“Not to say other crops aren’t too—I’ve grown a lot of tomatoes and it’s very important to be able to grow tasty, nutritious vegetable crops as well. But I think cannabis is up there in terms of the challenge level. I think it is a rewarding crop to get into if you are a technician and you relish that sort of thing.”

Agriculture is constantly evolving, which provides the perfect environment for professionals who like to think on their feet. As a crop adviser, no two days are the same. You’ll face new challenges, adapt to changing conditions and always be expanding your knowledge. If you’re passionate about agriculture and have a strong scientific background, a career as a crop adviser can be both personally and professionally rewarding

How do I become certified?

There are several steps involved in becoming a certified crop adviser. If you have already earned a degree at an accredited two- or four-year university, you’ll discover that the process is quite different from the traditional classroom-only learning format.

The primary certification for crop advisers in the U.S. and Canada is the Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) credential. Here’s an overview of the process:

Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirements

There are specific education and experience requirements that must be met in order to apply for the Certified Crop Adviser credential online.

You must meet one of the following three conditions:

• Possess a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in an agronomy-related field with at least two years of crop advising experience.
• Earn an associate degree in an agronomy-related field with at least three years of experience.
• Have at least four years of crop advising experience with no degree.

If you don’t meet the experience requirement yet, you are still able to take the exams and apply as a CCA candidate.

Step 2: Pass the CCA exams

You must pass both the local and the international exam to earn your certification. Exams are administered online using a remote proctor. That means you have the convenience of being able to take the exam in the comfort of your own home. You’ll be given designated exam dates to choose from once you begin the registration process. Students are free to select the day and time to take the exam in that time frame.

International, local board and specialty exams are often offered on a quarterly or biannual basis, depending on the state in which you reside. You have the option to take the international and local exams at once or you split them between different testing periods.

You have five years to take and pass both of the required exams. This time limit begins with the first passed exam results being reported. If the five-year time limit is exceeded without both exams being passed, exam results become void. You must then wait until the next calendar year before retaking either exam.

The international exam covers fundamental knowledge in four areas:

• Crop management
• Nutrient management
• Pest management
• Soil and water management

The local exam covers state-specific regulations and crop production practices.

Step 3: Apply for the CCA credential

Within six months of passing both exams, you’ll submit your application. You’ll need to provide documentation of your education (in the form of transcripts) and experience (by way of references). You’ll also need to formally agree to uphold the CCA Code of Ethics.

Step 4: Maintain certification

In order to maintain this meaningful credential, you’ll need to continue your education. You’ll be required to earn 40 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to stay current with industry developments and maintain your certification.

What degree is best for a career as a crop adviser?

In order to apply for your CCA, you need to meet the minimum degree requirements. The best degree path for you depends on your specific interests and career goals. Remember, you can possess an associate degree in an agronomy-related field with at least three years of experience, or a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. in an agronomy-related field with at least two years of crop advising experience.

So which degree is right for you? The answer to that question depends on where you hope to work. If you’re unsure about what exactly you want to do, consider exploring introductory courses in each field or talking to current students and professionals to gain insights into their experiences.

There are several degree paths that provide excellent preparation for a career as a crop adviser. Each one places an emphasis on different aspects of agricultural science. Most students study one of five major topics: agronomy, soil science, plant science, crop science or agricultural science.

No matter which path you choose, it’s essential to take relevant coursework in crop production, pest management, soil fertility, plant nutrition and integrated pest management to build a strong foundation for a career as a crop adviser. Remember, the CCA certification exam also requires knowledge of nutrient management, soil and water management and pest management, so ensure your chosen degree path includes coursework in these areas.

It’s also important—whatever you decide to study—that you select an accredited college or university to earn your initial degree. Due to the hands-on nature of this career path, experiential learning is critical. Be sure to include a program that includes a robust experiential learning component.

Erwin reminds students that without hands-on experience, your academic experience is incomplete. “Your value as a crop adviser comes from building a strategy to grow a certain way and produce in a certain way that works for you. I’ve done that in a scientific manner, where I’ve been careful to conduct trials in a way to get a meaningful result.”

Other relevant experience

• Sales or technical support roles for agricultural companies: If your role involves providing agronomic advice or recommendations to farmers, it may qualify as crop advising experience.
• Research assistantships or fellowships: Participating in research projects related to crop production, pest management or soil fertility can contribute to your experience.
• Volunteer work with agricultural organizations: Volunteering at farms, extension offices or agricultural fairs can provide valuable exposure to the field and opportunities to network with professionals.

Skills

It takes more than knowledge of soil and water tables and weather patterns to successfully grow viable crops. To excel as a crop adviser, you need a blend of technical knowledge, communication skills and business acumen.

Some of the skills that you need will be academic and some will be practical, but there are also characteristics and qualities you can develop that will make you more successful. Erwin said that being comfortable with success and defeat are important skills he’s gained over the course of his career.

“Patience and perseverance are key. Never admit defeat. Fail often. And learn from it. That’s really how you learn. Good managers fail often because they won’t try. You can’t be afraid of trying new things. And above all, attention to detail is a very important attribute.”

Cultivate people skills and crop skills

• Work with farmers: Building trust and rapport with farmers is key. You’ll need to be able to communicate complex information clearly and concisely, tailor your advice to individual needs and listen actively to farmer concerns.
• Build relationships: Cultivating long-term relationships with farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural community is essential for success. This involves being responsive, reliable and proactive in your communication and service.
• Identify problems: Crop advisers must be skilled at identifying problems early on, whether it’s a pest outbreak, nutrient deficiency or crop stress. This requires keen observation skills and a thorough understanding of crop production systems.
• Develop solutions: Once a problem is identified, you’ll need to develop effective solutions that address the root cause and minimize impact on crop yield and quality. This involves analyzing data, considering various options and weighing the risks and benefits of each.
• Understand market trends: Staying informed about market trends, commodity prices and agricultural policies is important for advising farmers on marketing and financial decisions.
• Financial considerations: You’ll need to understand the financial aspects of farming, such as input costs, production expenses and profit margins, to help farmers make informed decisions that maximize profitability.

By developing these skills and qualities, you can equip yourself to succeed as a crop adviser, helping farmers achieve their goals while contributing to a sustainable and productive agricultural system.

Important Considerations

No matter what kind of experiential learning you choose to take part in, be sure you keep detailed records of your experiences. Include dates, job responsibilities and the percentage of time spent on each qualifying activity. Have your supervisor verify your experience on the CCA application form! And focus on gaining high-quality experience that directly applies to crop advising, rather than simply accumulating hours. By engaging in these types of experiences, you can develop the knowledge, skills and practical understanding necessary to excel as a crop adviser and make a meaningful contribution to the agricultural industry.

Continuing education

Continuing education (CE) is absolutely crucial for crop advisers, serving as a linchpin for their professional success and the success of the farmers they serve. That’s why the CCA credential requires a minimum of 40 hours of CE every two years for renewal. This mandatory requirement underscores the importance of continuous learning to maintain professional standing and credibility.

Agricultural science and technology are constantly evolving. New crop varieties, pest control methods and farming practices emerge regularly. CE ensures that crop advisers stay abreast of these advancements, enabling them to provide the most relevant and up-to-date recommendations to farmers.

Some examples of continuing education activities can include:

• Attending conferences and workshops
• Participating in webinars and online courses
• Reading relevant publications and research articles
• Completing self-study programs
• Engaging in professional mentoring or peer-to-peer learning

By prioritizing continuing education, crop advisers can ensure they remain valuable assets to the agricultural community, helping farmers achieve their goals while promoting sustainable and profitable crop production.

Wrapping up

For a career that combines scientific knowledge with real-world impact, agriculture is an incredible option. It’s a challenging yet rewarding profession that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the agricultural industry and contribute to a sustainable future.

If you’re interested in environmental science or agriculture, now is the perfect time to consider becoming a Certified Crop Adviser. This credential demonstrates your expertise in sustainable agronomy, best practices in crop production and environmental stewardship, making it a great way to stand out among your peers!

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