Extension Ag Economist - KFMA SE Augusta

About This Role:

The Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA) Southeast is seeking applicants to fill the role of an Extension Agricultural Economist in our Augusta, 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 SE 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 1,450 crop acres.

Key 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 80 commercial farms

2. Provide cooperating farms with:

• Assistance with recordkeeping in order to develop a complete and accurate accounting of the farm, which is the foundation of the services provided
• Regular, scheduled on-farm visits each year
• 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
• Year-end tax planning and management
• Tax preparation through Southeast Kansas Agricultural Tax Service (leave days are taken from Extension position to complete this activity)
• Guidance and recommendations in estate planning, farm succession planning, and business entity structure

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

What You'll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Accounting or related field OR
• 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 one of the following areas: agricultural economics, agricultural finance, agribusiness, accounting, or closely 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

Sponsorship eligibility:

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

Worksite:

This is an on-site position. This position will be based at the KFMA SE Augusta, KS office. However, some travel will be required within the KFMA SE association area, and this position may occasionally travel due to work related commitments. This could include some 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.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

• Applicant must upload a letter of application and resume including contact information for three professional references.
  
  Each reference will be asked to upload the following:
  - A letter of support for the applicant.
  - Official transcripts of all college coursework

Application Window:

Screening of applications will begin on July 31, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. The starting date is negotiable with the KFMA, SE Board of Directors and KFMA Executive Director. 

Anticipated Hiring Pay 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, Southeast; and the applicant. Anticipated hiring range $65,000-$85,000, dependent on education and experience.

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 SE 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