Extension Agricultural Economist

Profile

LOCATION:
Colby, 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 70 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
During the first year of employment, a KFMA Economist would be expected to:
Become proficient in farm record keeping systems used within the association (QuickBooks and manual record books)
Learn to efficiently use proprietary programs and spreadsheets for farm economic analysis and tax planning (K-MAR-105 Analysis System, K-MAR-105 Depreciation, and Microsoft Excel)
Develop an understanding of agricultural accounting, estate planning, business entity structure, and income tax management as they apply to farm businesses
Learn KFMA NW procedures to collect, process, and verify information from member farm businesses in order to complete a whole farm and enterprise analysis
Provide support to the other KFMA NW Extension Agricultural Economists as they deliver economic analysis and technical expertise to KFMA members
Develop skills necessary to complete tax forms (Forms 1096/1099, W-2/W-3, 1040, 1065, 1120, and 1120S) through Northwest Kansas Agricultural Tax Service, Inc (Consulting Leave days taken from Extension position to complete final tax preparation)
KFMA NW will potentially hire two Extension Ag Economists.
QUALIFICATIONS Preferred:
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
Tax-related accounting coursework
Farm income-tax preparation experience
QUALIFICATIONS Required:
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
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)
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. An Associate position will not work with an assigned membership and 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.
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 NW:
KFMA NW provides a farm business analysis educational program to member farm families in a 17-county area. Principal crops are irrigated and dryland corn, grain sorghum, wheat, alfalfa hay, and other forages. This is also a livestock intensive area of Kansas. Average farm size is 4,700 acres.
APPLICATION DATE:
Screening of applications will begin on June 27, 2022
and will continue until the position is filled. The starting date is on or after August 1, 2022 and is negotiable with the KFMA NW 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, 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 ****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 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:
Qualified persons are invited to apply at ****. Applicants must upload a letter of application, resume including contact information for 3 professional references (each reference will be asked to upload a letter of support for the applicant), and official transcripts of all post-secondary course work. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
Contact Kansas State University’s Human Capital Services at ****
for questions regarding the application process. If selected for the position, the applicant will grant permission to Kansas State University’s Human Capital Services to conduct a background check. Employment will be contingent upon the results of those findings.
For more information, ****; E-mail: ****
The KFMA program website is ****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, 121 Umberger Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506. KSRE EEO Counselor: Gregg Hadley, 123 Umberger Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506.
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Date Posted: 5/6/22
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