at Kansas State University in Colby, Kansas, United States
Job Description
Extension Ag Economist- KFMA NW Colby
Department: 3670035060 KS Farm Management Association
Job no: 516027
Employment type: Extension Agent / Educator
Location: Colby, Kansas
Worksite: On-site requirement
Categories: Agriculture, Animal Sciences / Livestock, Crop Production, Agronomy
Pay Grade: 001
General Description of Position:
The Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA) Northwest 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 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 4,000 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:
- Develop and maintain a relationship with membership of approximately 70-80 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 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
- 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)
- 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
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree 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:
- Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Accounting or related field
- At least three years of acceptable performance in a position in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, Accounting, Finance or related field
- Tax-related accounting coursework
Applicants who meet the required qualifications, but do not meet the preferred qualifications for this position may be considered for an Associate Extension Agricultural Economist position with KFMA, NW. An Associate position is expected to successfully develop the skills and knowledge required for the position of Extension Agricultural Economist while providing support to the Extension Agricultural Economists working in the association. The position is designed to lead into an Extension Agricultural Economist position with KFMA NW within two years if all objectives are met, based on regular evaluations during the training period.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applicant must upload a letter of application, resume, and references.
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