Job Description

About This Role:

TITLE: Extension Agricultural Economist, Kansas Farm Management Association, Northeast

The Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA) Northeast is seeking applicants to fill the role of an Extension Agricultural Economist. The responsibilities of an Extension Agricultural Economist are varied but center around providing education and consultation to KFMA member farms in the area of farm business management. KFMA Economists strive to provide cooperating farms with resources to make informed financial, production, and tax management decisions. KFMA NE works with farm families in a 16-county area. Principal crops are corn, soybeans, alfalfa hay, and other forages, with an average farm size of nearly 1,800 acres. Beef production is important in this area of Kansas.

LOCATION: Hiawatha, Kansas

KFMA Vision/Purpose:

The Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA), through its affiliation with K-State Research and Extension, will be the valued and trusted provider of integrated data management systems to apply critical thinking and strategic business planning for farm and ranch decision makers; and will be the premier source of farm-level economic data in the world.

KFMA Mission and Purpose:

· To work as an efficient team of economists, serving on the management team for KFMA member farms, as a farm business management resource

· To provide high quality and timely farm recordkeeping, financial analysis and tax management

· To achieve the goal of improved farm and family decision making, resulting in increased farm profitability and sustainability

Responsibilities:

The foundation of the KFMA program is providing education and consultation to member farms in the area of farm business management. KFMA Economists strive to provide cooperating farms with resources to make informed financial, production, and tax management decisions. In order to achieve this goal, an Extension Agricultural Economist is expected to:

  • Develop and maintain a relationship with membership of approximately 80 cooperating commercial farms
  • Assist cooperating farms with development of a comprehensive and accurate accounting of the farm. Complete records are the essential foundation of all KFMA services provided
  • Provide KFMA members with: Regular, scheduled on-farm visits each year (at times requiring extensive travel within the association)An annual accrual whole-farm business analysis utilizing KFMA software to collect and process informationAn annual economic analysis of farm enterprisesBenchmarks of farm performance in comparison to similar farms and/or industry standardsGuidance based on interpretation of whole-farm, enterprise, and benchmark analysisGuidance and recommendations in estate planning, farm succession planning, and business entity structure
  • Learn and understand federal and state income tax regulations as they apply to farm businesses. This includes significant time spent working with members on: Tax implications of farm business management decisionsYear-end tax planning and managementPreliminary income tax related work for KFMA NE membersFinal income tax filing as an employee of Northeast Kansas Agricultural Tax Services, Inc. (with consulting leave time taken from Extension Agricultural Economist position)
  • Collect, process, and verify financial and production information from cooperating farms to be utilized by K-State Research and Extension for research, teaching, and other Extension programs
  • Market and promote KFMA by supporting county, area, and state Extension personnel with technical expertise in the area of farm business and farm income tax management
  • Participate in continuing education to expand farm income tax and farm management technical skills

    • Why Join Us:

    Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available

    Principles of Community.

    Worksite Options:

    This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

    What You’ll Need to Succeed:

    Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, Accounting, Finance or related field and at least three years of acceptable performance in a position in agricultural economics, agricultural finance, agribusiness, accounting or closely related field

    • Or

  • Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Accounting or related field

    • And

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all college coursework
  • Minimum of 6 hours of coursework in accounting
  • Ability to effectively communicate with individuals and groups
  • Evidence of solid planning, prioritization and organizational skills
  • Good understanding of production agriculture
  • Ability to effectively utilize computer technology, software and applications
  • Demonstrated expertise in understanding and communicating sound farm accounting principles and economic relationships in agriculture
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
  • Self-discipline to work independently, and flexibility to work as part of a team
  • Ability to handle a workload that varies depending on the time of year (heavy workload required November-April)

    • Other Requirements:

  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
    •

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