About This Role:

Extension Agricultural Economist

Kansas Farm Management Association, North Central

The Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA) is seeking an individual to serve as an Extension Agricultural Economist in our Abilene office.  The foundation of the KFMA program is building relationships with our farming clients that allows us to provide education and consultation 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 NC works with farm families in a 20-county area. Principal crops are corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock forages.  This is also a livestock intensive area of Kansas.  Average farm size is 2,500 acres.

LOCATION:  Abilene, Kansas

Information about Kansas Farm Management Association:

KFMA Vision:

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:

An Extension Agricultural Economist is expected to:

1. Develop and maintain a relationship with membership of approximately 80 cooperating commercial farms
2. 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
3. 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 information
• An annual economic analysis of farm enterprises
• Benchmarks of farm performance in comparison to similar farms and/or industry standards
• Guidance based on interpretation of whole-farm, enterprise, and benchmark analysis
• Guidance and recommendations in estate planning, farm succession planning, and business entity structure

4. 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 decisions
• Year-end tax planning and management
• Preliminary income tax related work for KFMA NC members
• Final income tax filing as an employee of North Central Kansas Agricultural Tax Services, Inc. (with consulting leave time taken from Extension Agricultural Economist position)

5. 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
6. 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, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, Accounting, Finance or related field plus at least three years of acceptable performance in a position in one of the following areas: 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Tax-related accounting coursework
• Farm income-tax preparation experience

How to Apply:

Application must upload a letter of application, resume including contact information for three professional references (Each reference will be asked to upload a letter of support for the applicant), and official transcripts of all college coursework.  Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening of applications will begin on November 25, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.  Starting date is negotiable with the KFMA NC Board of Directors and KFMA Executive Director.  May 2023 graduates are encouraged to apply.

Salary Range:

Commensurate with training and experience as negotiated by the Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University; the Board of Directors of Kansas Farm Management Association, North Central; and the applicant.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

Travel:

Travel, which will be required for this position, is primarily within the KFMA NC association area but may occasionally involve overnight travel to other areas of Kansas.  Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives including either use of an association provided vehicle or mileage reimbursement will be provided.

For more information:

Contact Mark Dikeman, Executive Director, Kansas Farm Management Association Program.

Office: (785) 539-0373; E-mail: dikemanm@ksu.edu  The KFMA program website is www.AgManager.info/KFMA