Agricultural Extension Agent

About the Role

SC State University, in partnership with USDA, aims to enhance the economic viability of leafy green, peanut, and beef cattle production while conserving natural resources through education, demonstration, and execution. This project focuses on recruiting and providing technical and financial support to American producers on cover cropping, mulching, and reduced tillage practices, particularly for peanuts, beef cattle, and leafy green producers. Consumer surveys and marketing strategies will assess and promote ecological commodities, ensure stakeholder communication, and evaluate practice implementation.

Responsibilities

• Provide science-based guidance to producers on implementing sustainable and resilient agricultural practices tailored to leafy greens, peanuts, and beef cattle.
• Assist in the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM), soil health practices (e.g., cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage), and water conservation techniques.
• Support producers in adapting livestock management strategies that reduce environmental impact (e.g., rotational grazing, improved forage systems, manure management).
• Design, coordinate, and deliver workshops, field days, demonstrations, and on-farm trials that showcase ecological resilience practices.
• Collaborate with university researchers, USDA agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to bring innovative solutions to local producers.
• Develop educational materials (e.g., fact sheets, videos, newsletters) that translate research into practical knowledge.
• Help producers assess environmental risks (e.g., drought, pests, heat stress) affecting crops and livestock.
• Assist in creating farm-specific resilience plans that integrate agroecological principles and adaptive strategies.
• Promote diversification of cropping and livestock systems to buffer against market and environmental variability.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of ecological practices implemented on farms.
• Collect and analyze data related to yields, soil health, water use, pest/disease pressure, and livestock productivity.
• Report outcomes and lessons learned to stakeholders and funders to guide program improvements.
• Build trust and maintain strong relationships with diverse producers, including beginning, small-scale, and historically underserved producers.
• Serve as a local liaison to connect producers with cost-share programs, financial incentives (e.g., EQIP, CSP), and technical assistance from government agencies.
• Foster peer-to-peer learning networks and producer-led groups focused on ecological resilience.
• Inform producers about available funding sources, regulatory changes, and compliance requirements related to conservation and resilience.
• Support grant applications or participation in pilot programs aimed at ecological agriculture or conservation innovation.

Requirements

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Agroecology, Crop Science/Physiology, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices, including integrated pest management (IPM), soil health, water conservation, and ecological-resilient livestock systems.
• Relevant experience working directly with producers in leafy greens, peanuts, and/or beef cattle systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop educational materials and deliver effective workshops, field days, and training sessions.
• Proven ability to collaborate with universities, USDA agencies, NGOs, and producer groups to advance agricultural innovation and ecological resilience.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and report on data related to crop/livestock performance, soil and water health, and ecological outcomes.
• Experience building trust and working with diverse farming communities, including small-scale, beginning, and historically underserved producers.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects, including on-farm trials, producer networks, and stakeholder reporting.
• Familiarity with federal conservation programs (e.g., EQIP, CSP), grant writing, and compliance with agricultural environmental regulations.
• Commitment to fairness, attachment, and community-based approaches in agricultural outreach and education.