K-State Research and Extension, Department of Agricultural Economics and Kansas Farm Management Association 

Building Strong Relationships Producing Excellence 

TITLE:

• EXTENSION AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIST, KANSAS FARM MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, NORTHEAST 
• This is a joint appointment between KFMA NE and K-State Research and Extension 

LOCATION:

• Hiawatha, Kansas 

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 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 NE members
  • Final 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

REQUIRED 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 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

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

ABOUT KFMA NE: 

• KFMA NE, with offices in Hiawatha, Holton, and Council Grove, provides a farm business analysis educational program to member farm families in a 16-county area.
• Principal crops are corn, soybeans, alfalfa hay, and other forages.
• This is also a livestock intensive area of Kansas.
• Average farm size is 1,600 acres. 

APPLICATION DATE:

• Screening of applications will begin on May 10, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.
• The starting date for this position is negotiable with the KFMA NE Board of Directors and KFMA Executive Director. 

SALARY:

• 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, Northeast; 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. 
• Travel, which will be required for this position, is primarily within the KFMA NE association area but may occasionally involve overnight travel to other areas of Kansas.
• Reimbursement is provided for travel and subsistence related to program activities.
• The use of an association vehicle or mileage reimbursement will be provided. 

HOW TO APPLY

• Interested candidates should click the "APPLY TO THIS POSITION" icon to apply by September 30th.
• If selected for the position, the applicant will grant permission to Kansas State University’s Human Resources to conduct a background check.
• Employment will be contingent upon the results of those findings. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Kansas State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Kansas State University encourages diversity among its employees. KSRE EEO Coordinator: Jennifer Wilson and KSRE EEO Counselor: Gregg Hadley.