The University of Kentucky’s Department of Agricultural Economics is looking for a qualified individual to work one-on-one with local farmers in farm management education and decision-making. This creates opportunities to provide input into significant business decisions and to make a positive impact on Kentucky agriculture through Extension programming.

This is an Extension position administered through the University of Kentucky and the Department of Agricultural Economics. The position is housed in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to work with farmers in the surrounding counties. Hours and location can be flexible, but on-farm and in-office meetings are necessary.
 

The primary focus is on business and management education for Kentucky farmers. The Extension Associate works intensively with cooperating farmers in bookkeeping, finance, business analysis, enterprise analysis, and income tax liability. Work with the cooperating farmers provides a basis for continuing education to other farmers and Kentucky agriculture.

The Extension Associate will work with approximately 40 cooperating farmers in the Kentucky Farm Business Management (KFBM) program to help cooperators prepare information for lenders and tax preparers and will provide farm financial record analysis and objective farm management counseling to the cooperators.
 

The Associate will work with others to develop analysis of data collected from cooperating farmers for state-wide use in applied research, enterprise analysis, and other studies. The Specialist will collaborate with faculty, county agricultural agents, and farm-related agencies to develop farm management educational programs. This could include financial management, income tax strategies, farm planning, record-keeping, estate planning, and other topics.
 

The Kentucky Farm Business Management (KFBM) program provides education and service to farmers and the agricultural industry. The Farm Management Extension Specialists and Associates work with 360 member farms to track and report financial performance, measure profitability, and improve management practices. They work with these commercial farmers to manage taxes, evaluate business performance, and make sound management decisions. They use the aggregate data from these farms to provide on-farm research and benchmark comparisons for use in research, Extension programming, and teaching. KFBM Specialists and Associates serve the Ag Economics Department as farm finance and tax experts. Farm managers, lenders, and tax professionals are primary users of the farm analysis.
 

The program is recognized for over 60 years of success based on the expertise, experience, and performance of the KFBM team. They have built a reputation for accuracy and reliability among the farmers, bankers, tax professionals, and faculty who have come to rely on them for analysis and counsel.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics or related field with emphasis in farm management is required. Experience in farm business management, computer farm management applications, and farm background is desired. Ability to work effectively with farmers and faculty in Agricultural Economics and other subject matter areas is essential. Approval of the applicant by the Department of Agricultural Economics and the Pennyroyal Farm Analysis Group Board of Directors is required.
 

SALARY AND FRINGE BENEFITS: Salary open and competitive. This position is a 3 year position. Continuation beyond three years is conditional on performance and the availability of funding. University employer-match retirement, health insurance, and term life insurance included. Holidays, sick leave, and annual leave are included. See https://www.uky.edu/hr/insurance-and-retirement.
 

The position is located in Bowling Green, KY. Farming in the area includes medium to large commercial crop farms and many of Kentucky’s dairies. Hours and work location can be flexible. The position is open until a suitable candidate is found.