Livestock Appraiser

Livestock appraisers determine the market value of animals that are to be sold or insured.

Duties

Appraisals are a formal way of defining the market value of animals. Appraisal documentation may be required for the purpose of loans, audits, insurance coverage or claims, divorce settlements, bankruptcies, pre-auction price estimates, and a variety of other financial transactions.

Appraisers write a report that details their valuation of the animal, the purpose for which the appraisal was undertaken (insurance, sale, collateral), supporting documentation, and their own industry credentials.

Appraisers may receive appraisal requests from a variety of sources including farm owners, ranchers, banks, attorneys, estate managers, government agencies, andinsurance companies. They may also be called to serve as expert witnesses in legal proceedings.

An appraiser must frequently work in the field, as they must travel to livestock facilities to directly assess animals. Additional hours are completed in an office setting to complete the necessary reports, research, and documentation involved in an appraisal. The schedule for an appraiser may include some night, weekend, and holiday hours so that they may complete their duties in the time frame mandated by clients. Appraisers must have excellent time management skills and the ability to work under the pressure of a deadline.

Career Options

Livestock appraisers can choose to work with a wide variety of livestock species or to specialize by working in one specific area (such as dairy cattle or beef cattle). Some appraisers also offer appraisal services for farm equipment and agricultural properties.

Others act as livestock auctioneers and can offer those services to their clients.

Many livestock appraisers choose to work strictly on a freelance basis and are self-employed. Others choose to take salaried positions with appraisal companies, insurance firms, or other related entities.

Education

While no specific degree is required for livestock appraisers, most successful candidates have extensive practical experience working in the livestock industry as breeders,extension agents, or other closely related roles. Prior experience with judging animals at livestock shows (breed shows, 4-H events, or agricultural fairs) is another big plus. Candidates may benefit from interning with an experienced professional before striking out on their own if such an opportunity presents itself. There is no substitute for hands on experience in the agricultural industry.

Certification for livestock appraisers is available through the International Society of Livestock Appraisers (ISLA), the American Society of Agricultural Appraisers (ASAA), and the American Society of Equine Appraisers (ASEA). These professional membership groups were founded in the early 1980s and provide certification, training, and a code of ethics for their members. Some appraisers choose to become certified in multiple areas while others only belong to one organization.

The Appraisals Qualification Board (AQB), a government agency, has defined Personal Property Appraiser Minimum Qualification Criteria that will go into effect as of January 1, 2015. Appraisers meeting the educational and experiential requirements will have another valuable qualification that they can highlight to their clients. The AQB criteria will be the expected standard in the industry, so appraisers are encouraged to comply with the criteria as soon as possible. The previously mentioned membership groups (ISLA, ASAA, and ASEA) are already offering courses to help their appraisers meet the new AQB criteria.

Salary

The salary a livestock appraiser earns can vary widely based on the number of clients they serve each year, the type of animals they evaluate, their years of experience, their personal reputation in the industry, and the geographic area in which they operate. Appraisers are compensated for each job they complete, earning the greatest compensation when completing evaluations for large herds. Experienced appraisers can expect to earn top dollar once they establish a solid reputation with the agricultural professionals in their community.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that the median salary for property appraisers and assessors was $48,500 per year ($22.32 per hour) in the most recent salary survey conducted in May of 2010. The lowest ten percent of appraisers earned a salary of less than $25,920 per year while the highest ten percent of appraisers earned a salary of more than $90,650 per year.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job growth for appraisers and assessors will be about 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, representing a slower rate of growth than the average for all professions. Competition for livestock appraisal positions can be particularly keen, as there is a limited demand for such services. Nevertheless, positions should be available for those who have extensive practical experience with evaluating livestock and the ability to provide thorough reports in a timely manner.

Livestock Judge

Livestock judges evaluate the conformation and quality of cattle, sheep, hogs, goats, and other livestock entered in competitions.

Duties

The primary duty of a livestock judge is to determine the rankings of the animals in each class based on their conformation and presentation.  They must not only determine the best entry in the class but also rank the rest of the group to award ribbons.  Judges spend a minute or two evaluating each animal, and they may keep detailed notes to indicate the positive and negative qualities of each animal.

Judges not only decide the placings in each class—they also give oral reasons at the conclusion of the class as to why each animal placed where it did.  For this reason a judge must be comfortable with public speaking and using a microphone to address the exhibitors and the crowd. 

A judge’s particular area of expertise may include judging open shows, junior shows, showmanship classes, or specific categories of livestock (i.e. bulls, heifers, steers).  The judge must be very familiar with the breed standards and guidelines for each type of animal that they are responsible for evaluating.

Livestock judges frequently work outdoors and must be prepared to deal with varying temperatures and weather conditions.  Some shows, however, may be hosted in covered arenas.  The hours are usually quite long on show days, and the judge may be responsible for a variety of classes and divisions beginning from early in the morning to late in the evening.  Shows may take place on weekends, so judges must be prepared to work an irregular schedule.

  Travel is also usually a part of the job.

Career Options

Livestock judges can specialize by evaluating only one specific type of livestock, such as cattle.  They may also specialize further by focusing on a single breed or a small group of breeds.  Other judges choose to evaluate many categories and types of livestock and do not focus on one species in particular.

Judging is usually a part-time career, with many judges also breeding their own livestock such as beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, or poultry.  Judges must carefully consider whether or not to take judging jobs that could cause a conflict of interest, such as those where competitors in the breeding industry or close friends are likely to exhibit their animals. 

Education & Training

A judge usually has many years of experience working with the types of livestock that they are evaluating.  Many aspiring judges benefit from having participated in 4-H, Future Farmers of America, or other groups that promote youth activities with livestock.  A future judge can gain a great deal of experience from exhibiting their own animals and observing the judge in the show ring.

While a college degree is not required to be a successful judge, a background in Animal Science or a closely related field is always a plus.  Future judges should also take advantage of the opportunity to join the livestock judging team in college if one is available, since this will help them to gain invaluable experience judging a wide variety of livestock species and practice giving oral reasons for their placings.

Most livestock judges start out by judging local events, 4-H shows, or county fairs.  As they gain experience and build a reputation in the industry, opportunities at the regional and state level may become available.  There are a variety of certifications available through breed associations and state livestock associations.

Salary

Most livestock judges can expect to earn a few hundred dollars per day, depending on the size of the show and the number of classes that they will be judging.  Local or regional shows tend to pay less than state shows.  Experienced judges are able to earn the highest fees based on their reputation and the fact that their services are very much in demand.  New judges may have to judge for free or at a reduced rate to gain their initial experience in the show ring.

Compensation for livestock judges usually includes several components such as the daily judging fee, paid travel expenses, a hotel room, and complementary meals at the show grounds.

Career Outlook

Livestock shows continue to grow in popularity and demand for qualified judges should remain strong for the foreseeable future.  While this is not a full time career option for most candidates, those with significant experience and a good reputation in the industry should be able to find many opportunities.

Equine Extension Agent

Equine extension agents present information about advances in the equine industry to local breeders and horsemen.

Duties

Equine extension agents are assigned to oversee a particular region and interact with horse producers and enthusiasts in that territory. Equine extension agents are tasked with providing information on equine health, performance, breeding, marketing, management, and other useful topics.

In the course of completing their duties they may interact with a variety of horse industry professionals such as breeders, ranchers, racing industry officials, show officials, trainers, veterinarians, youth groups, riders, and owners.

The duties of an equine extension agent usually require them to undertake a significant amount of travel, particularly in rural areas where there may be a greater distance to cover and fewer agents to provide support. Agents may visit farms, ranches, racetracks, training facilities, show grounds, feed stores, veterinary clinics, government offices, and other equine business locations during the course of their day. Agents may also be required to make presentations at community horse shows, trade conventions, county fairs, colleges, riding camps, and 4-H shows.

It is not uncommon for equine extension agents to work occasional evening and weekend hours as required to complete their duties, though many agents primarily keep to normal daytime working schedules.

This position requires both indoor and outdoor work, so agents must be prepared to adapt to varying temperatures and weather conditions.

Equine extension agents must also be sure to take proper safety precautions when working around horses, as this can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury. A good working knowledge of equine behavior is critical for those having direct interaction with horses.

Career Options

Most equine extension agents are employed through government agencies at the federal, state, or local levels. They may also find positions with universities, research organizations, and community education groups. Some agents also teach equine management courses at the college level.

After working as a field agent, an equine extension worker may advance to positions of more responsibility such as directors or program leader. Some extension agents also supervise community groups such as 4-H or Pony Club.

It is also possible to switch to an agricultural extension agent role, serving producers of livestock or agricultural crops.

Education & Training

Equine extension agent candidates must have a strong educational background and equine experience to be considered for a position. An entry level position in the field of extension requires (at minimum) a Bachelor’s degree. Candidates holding Master’s degrees often receive preference during the hiring process. Equine extension agents are also expected to have significant practical experience in the management and care of horses.

The degree that an extension agent holds may be in one of many relevant fields including education, equine science, and animal science. An ideal educational background would include coursework in areas such as equine reproduction, equine behavior, communications, business, technology, public relations, and agricultural marketing. Newly minted equine extension agents generally complete additional training courses before they are allowed to venture out into the field.

Equine and agricultural extension agents may also join one of the national or local professional membership groups. The National Association of County Agricultural Agents and the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents are two well known groups that assist with networking and education.

Salary

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, the average salary for extension agents with a Bachelor’s degree was $44,293 in the most recent salary survey of December 2010. Extension agents with a Master’s degree averaged an even higher average salary of $57,889 in 2010. Extension agents with a PhD degree earned the highest salary of all, pulling in an average salary of $69,375 in 2010.

Starting salaries for new agents are usually a bit lower. Kentucky’s new extension agents with a Bachelor’s degree and no work experience initially earn about $32,000, and those with a Master’s degree and no work experience start out at about $36,000. In North Carolina, new extension agents started out at a similar salary of $32,807 with a Bachelor’s degree and $38,124 with a Master’s degree.

Career Outlook

Equine extension agents with a strong background in the horse industry and a talent for educating industry professionals should have the best prospects for employment in the field. Those with advanced degrees will have the greatest chances to secure a position. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) survey of 2011, job growth for agricultural positions should progress at the same rate as the average for all careers during the next decade.

Dairy Nutritionist Career Profile

A dairy nutritionist develops feeding programs and monitors the condition of dairy cattle to ensure that production goals are met.

Duties

Dairy nutritionists are directly involved with the dietary management of dairy cattle herds.  The ultimate goal of a dairy nutritionist is to maximize production while maintaining overall herd health. 

Dairy nutritionists may be involved with a number of tasks including formulating diets, analyzing lab samples, sourcing feed ingredients, selecting cost effective ingredients, adjusting rations, selecting supplements, keeping detailed records, writing reports, marketing products, giving presentations to customers, and using body condition scoring to evaluate the condition of each animal in the herd.

They must work closely with the bovine veterinarian and other members of the farm management team (especially the dairy herdsman) in the field to ensure that animals are closely monitored and meeting all milk production goals.  They must also spend a significant amount of time in an office setting, inputting data into analytical software programs to track the herd’s progress.  Travel may also be necessary to visit clients, particularly if a nutritionist is an independent contractor or working for a feed development company.

Career Options

Dairy nutritionists can work on dairy farms, in livestock management positions, in feed development facilities, in academia, or in marketing roles interacting directly with dairy producers.  They can also branch out and work in animal nutritionist positions with other species.

Dairy nutritionists can seek full-time salaried positions with major farms and companies, or they may work on a contract basis as an independent consultant (either full or part time).

 

Education & Training

Most advertised positions in the field of dairy nutrition specify that employers prefer to consider candidates with a Masters or doctoral degree in dairy science, animal science, or a closely related area.  Significant experience working with dairy cattle is also a key factor, as is a solid knowledge of body condition scoring and bovine behavior.

In the modern era, a dairy nutritionist is expected to be familiar with the use of dairy nutrition software programs, which have become increasingly important for nutritional management and ration balancing.  They must also be comfortable performing mathematical calculations and interpreting laboratory reports.

Aspiring dairy nutritionists can also gain a great deal of experience by completing internships such as those listed on our animal nutrition internship and dairy internshippages.  The hands on experience that a candidate gains during such internships tends to be highly valued by employers.

Salary

The specific salary that a dairy nutritionist earns can vary widely based on a candidate’s type of employment (salaried employee or independent consultant), level of education, level of experience in the industry, and the going rate in their particular geographic area.  Those with significant experience and education will tend to earn top dollar for their services.

Dairy nutritionists employed by major feed companies can earn up to $150,000 per year, though the range for the broader category of all dairy nutritionists would be in the $50000 to $100,000 range.  Starting salaries can of course be much lower for new graduates.  A 2013 study by Iowa State University, cited in Hoards Dairyman magazine, found that recent graduates in the feed and nutrition field earned an average salary of $42,611 per year (ranging from a low of $34,000 per year to a high of $52,000 per year).

Dairy nutritionists also may receive various fringe benefits in addition to their base salary.  These benefits may include commission (if working in the feed sales industry), a company phone, use of a company vehicle, health insurance, housing (if working full time on a dairy farm), and paid vacation.

Career Outlook

Both dairy and feed industries are showing growth, so the outlook for dairy nutritionists remains strong for the foreseeable future.  The nutritionist career path allows the practitioner to transition readily from working with one species to another, particularly within the livestock management field, so options for changing the direction of a career can be plentiful.  Those with the greatest level of education and experience will be positioned to enjoy the best prospects for employment in this field.

Beef Extension Agent - Career Profile

Beef extension agents present useful information about advances in the beef industry to local breeders and cattlemen.

Duties

Beef extension agents are assigned to service a specific region, primarily interacting withbeef producers in that area.  Beef extension agents are responsible for providing the latest information on bovine health, breeding, marketing, performance, management practices, and a variety of other useful topics.

  They may interact with a variety of individuals with a vested interest in the cattle industry including ranchers, breeders, livestock judges, livestock appraisers,veterinarians, and youth groups.

The duties of a beef extension agent usually involve a significant amount of travel, particularly if they are assigned to rural areas where farms are a greater distance apart and there could be fewer agents to provide support.  Agents may visit ranches, farms, stockyards, feedlots, show grounds, feed stores, veterinary clinics, government offices, meat inspection facilities, and other business locations during the course of their daily activities.  Agents may also be asked to make presentations at livestock shows, industry trade shows, conventions, county fairs, colleges, and 4-H shows.

It is not uncommon for beef extension agents to work occasional evening and weekend hours when necessary to complete their duties in their territories.  The position requires both indoor and outdoor work, so agents must be prepared to adapt to varying temperatures and weather conditions.

Beef extension agents must also be sure to take all proper safety precautions when working around cattle, as this can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury.  A good working knowledge of bovine behavior is essential for those having direct interaction with livestock in the field.

Career Options

Most beef extension agents are employed by government agencies at the federal, state, or local levels.  They may also find employment with universities, research organizations, and community education groups.  Some agents also teach bovine production or management courses at the college level.

After working as a field agent, a beef extension worker may advance to positions of a more supervisory nature, such as program leader or director.  Some extension agents also supervise community groups such as 4-H or youth showing groups.  It is also possible to transition into an agricultural extension agent or equine extension agent role.

Education & Training

Candidates for beef extension agent positions should have a strong educational background and extensive cattle experience before applying.  An entry level position in the field of extension requires at least a Bachelor of Science degree.  Candidates holding a Masters degree usually are preferred.  Beef extension agents are also expected to have significant practical experience in the management and care of beef cattle breeds.

An extension agent’s degree is usually in a field related to education or animal science.  An optimal educational background would include coursework in beef production, animal behavior, communications, business, public relations, technology, and agricultural marketing.  New extension agents often complete additional training courses and shadow and experienced agent before going solo in the field.

Beef extension agents may also join one of the national or local professional membership groups for agricultural extension agents.  The National Association of County Agricultural Agents and the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents are two prominent groups that can assist with networking and continuing education.

Salary

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, the average salary for extension agents with a Bachelor’s degree was $44,293 in the most recent salary survey of December 2010.  Extension agents with a Master’s degree averaged $57,889 and those with a PhD degree earned an average of $69,375 in the same survey.

New agents usually must work their way up the salary scale.  Kentucky’s new extension agents (with a Bachelor’s degree and no work experience) initially earn about $32,000, while those with a Master’s degree and no work experience start out at about $36,000.  In North Carolina, new extension agents started out at a similar salary of $32,807 with a Bachelor’s degree and $38,124 with a Master’s degree.

Career Outlook

Beef extension agents with a strong background in the cattle industry, solid academic experience, and the ability to educate industry professionals should have the best prospects in the field.  Those with advanced degrees will have access to more (and better paying) opportunities.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) survey of 2011, job growth for agricultural positions should progress at approximately the same rate as the average for all careers over the next decade.