POSITION IS LOCATED IN BOWLING GREEN, KY
 

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.

The Kentucky Farm Business Management (KFBM) program provides education and service to farmers and the agricultural industry. Eight Area Farm Management Specialists 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. The Specialists 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 serve the Ag Economics Department as farm finance and tax experts. Farm managers, lenders, and tax professionals are primary users of the farm analysis

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 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 occasional on-farm and in-office meetings are necessary.

The primary focus is on business and management education for Kentucky farmers. Specialists work 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.
 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: The Specialist will work with approximately 50 cooperating farmers in the Kentucky Farm Business Management (KFBM) program. The Specialist will 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 Specialist will help 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.
 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A Master’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. A career ladder is in place for promotion. University employer-match retirement, health insurance, and term life insurance included. Holidays, sick leave, and annual leave are included. For more information see https://www.uky.edu/hr/insurance-and-retirement.

The Department provides an office, laptop and printer, training, and continuing education. A personal automobile for travel is required. Approved travel is reimbursed.