Job Description
Role Summary:
The Agronomy Manager at Mainstay Farming Partnership in Kewanna, Indiana is role focused on maintaining current agronomic practices while continuing to trial and advance new production systems for the operation. This position focuses on optimizing input efficiency while integrating ecological farming practices to improve soil health and return on investment. Production is mostly food grade quality grains and organic row crop production so growing not only high value but high quality grains while improving soil quality are important outcomes. Core roles include creating fertility and lime recommendations using advanced precision ag software, create trials and protocols for implementing new practices and products, spring soil sampling, equipment performance quality control, in season scouting and trial review, disease and pest monitoring, grain quality and maturity sampling, consolidating and cleaning data and producing year end reports, and consistent communication and feedback to the operation. The ideal candidate is highly self motivated and managed, has strong computer skills with precision ag software and spreadsheets, extremely detailed, has a passion for ecological production systems, and a continuous learner. Key Responsibilities:
Input Planning and Prescriptions Work with Operations Manager to create detailed crop plans for season and input requirements and quantities. Utilize on farm data to support custom nutrient management plans tailored to the operation's soil types and production system. Assist with design of an agronomic system to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and inputs. Create variable rate maps for seed, fertilizer and other inputs applied. Precision Ag and Data Management Co-manage John Deere Operations Center to collect and calibrate data. Proficiently use FieldAlytics precision ag software to clean agronomic data, create prescriptions, create and review trials, and other core agronomic functions. Understand statistical analysis and randomized trials to analyze production data and trials to continuously improve the production system. Evaluate hybrid and input performance. Compile annual reports for land partners. Maintain data for carbon and regenerative programs through private and public agencies. Crop Scouting, Diagnostics, R&D Create and maintain custom zone maps for fields managed and follow soil sampling best practices and maintain sampling schedule. Create and implement a scouting plan to monitor all growing crops from emergence/planter performance to grain drydown and everything in between. Monitor trials and evaluations on all agronomic aspects. Make recommendations for crop protection applications. Provide cost benefit analysis of current and projected agronomic practices and systems. Vet technology systems and value created. Operational Oversight Create and manage standard operating procedures for consistent results. Create and manage a communication platform for documenting observations and feedback for other operational members. Assist with quality control of equipment operations during planting and harvest. Provide operator feedback and insight on optimizing equipment performance. Maintain a continuous education program and network to consistently learn and improve. Required Qualifications:
Self motivated and managed. Strong technical and computer skills with precision ag software, spreadsheets, data analysis etc. Organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to work seasonal hours as needed. 3-5 years of experience in agriculture and/or agronomy. Education Bachelor's degree or higher in Agronomy, Crop Sciences or related field. Preferred Qualifications ("Good to Have"): Experience with organic row crop production. Knowledge of ecological or regenerative production systems, cover crops uses, benefits, and management practices. Background of agronomy research or experience in research. Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly. Ability to stand, bend, kneel, climb, and work in varying weather conditions for extended periods. Ability to work long hours during peak planting and harvest seasons. Comfortable working around heavy machinery, agricultural chemicals, dust, noise, and outdoor environments. Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a clean driving record. Compensation & Benefits:
Competitive salary based on experience. Tax free health insurance reimbursement and retirement matching up to 3% Stipends for cell phones and annual clothing allowance. Performance based annual bonuses. Opportunities for Growth:
Work in a progressive and growing farming operation with a young but experienced team. Opportunity to progress agricultural practices on a broad scale to reduce environmental impact and improve human health. Opportunities to work with new crops and production systems. Grow into leadership or technical specialty roles over time. About Mainstay Farming Partnership:
Mainstay Farming Partnership is a multi-generational family operation located near Kewanna, Indiana. The operation grows corn, soybeans and wheat, but focuses on NGMO food grade corn and yellow popcorn, and also raises organic popcorn, corn, soybeans, wheat and rye. Purpose Statement Our purpose is to restore the land we touch by farming ecologically to improve soil health, crop health, and human health. How to Apply:
Reach out to Mainstay Farming Partnership for a job application by emailing or submit your resume to the attention of admin@mainstayfarming.com . Note:
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify the job description as needed. Pay:
From $70,000.00 per year Benefits:
Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Work Location:
In person
