Their task is to supply local branches with the latest information within specialised areas of agriculture, develop new computer software, conduct experiments and run surveys etc. The local extension service covers economics, arable farming, pigs, cattle, buildings and machinery, education and in-service training, ecology and law. Approximately 3,500 people work in the extension service, servicing some 60,000 farmers. For the farmer to benefit from this specialised knowledge, the latest results from national and international research must be converted into practical advice. This is accomplished through close cooperation with state agricultural research institutions.
Farmers are responsible for managing and organising the service locally as well as nationally.
Budgets and tasks for various professional areas in the advisory service are determined by elected committees. These committees are comprised of the farmers' own representatives.