Livestock advisors provide complex specialist advice to farmers and livestock breeders to ensure that their business and production is optimised.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Collecting and analysing data and samples related to produce, feed, soil, water quality and other factors affecting farm, forest or fishery production;
(b) Advising on techniques for improving the production of crops, livestock and fish, and alternative production options;
(c) Advising on livestock and crop disease, control of pests and weeds, soil improvement, animal husbandry and feeding programmes;
(d) Studying the environmental factors affecting commercial crop production, pasture growth, animal breeding, fish stocks and the growth and health of forest trees;
(e) Studying the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects, diseases and fisheries practices on animal, crop, forestry and fisheries yield;
(f) Studying fish migration, growth, feeding and spawning and devising methods of collecting, fertilizing, incubating and hatching fish eggs;
(g) Researching into characteristics, use capability and productivity of soils and applying findings to development of improved agricultural, horticultural and forestry practices;
(h) Developing procedures and techniques for solving agricultural problems and improving the efficiency of production;
(i) Managing forest and fisheries resources to maximize their long-term commercial, recreational and environmental benefits;
(j) Studying the propagation and culture of forest trees, methods for improving the growth of stock, and the effects of thinning on forest yields;
(k) Investigating, planning and implementing management procedures to cope with the effects of fires, floods, droughts, soil erosion, pests and diseases;
(l) Preparing scientific reports and conducting advisory information sessions and lectures for farming, forestry and fishing communities and other groups.