Extension Ag Economist- KFMA NW Colby

About This Role:

Extension Agricultural Economist, Kansas Farm Management Association, Northwest (Location: Colby, KS)

The Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA) Northwest is seeking applicants to fill the role of an Extension Agricultural Economist in our Colby, KS office. 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 NW works with farm families in a 17-county area. Principal crops are wheat, corn and grain sorghum.  Livestock enterprises in NW Kansas are primarily focused on beef production.  Average farm size is 3,200 crop acres.

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:

1. Develop and maintain a relationship with membership of approximately 70-80 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

1. 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 NW members
• Final income tax filing as an employee of Northwest Kansas Agricultural Tax Services, Inc. (with consulting leave time taken from Extension Agricultural Economist position)

1. 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
2. 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

About Us:

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

Worksite Option:

This position is on-site. 

An employee who is working remotely must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.  Review K-State’s remote work policy details for more information.

What You'll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Or

• At least three years of acceptable performance in a position in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, Accounting, Finance or related field
• 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 

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply:

X Applicant 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 June 1, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. The starting date is negotiable with the KFMA, NW Board of Directors and KFMA Executive Director.

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$65,000-$85,000 (Salary is 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, Northwest; and the applicant).

Benefits:

This is an unclassified position in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University. The K-State benefit package includes a retirement plan, group health and life insurance, worker’s compensation, vacation, sick leave and other benefits.  For additional information on benefits, see http://www.k-state.edu/hr/benefits/overview/.

Travel:

Travel, which will be required for this position, is primarily within the KFMA NW 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 Kellen L. Liebsch, Associate Director, Kansas Farm Management Association Program.

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