Field Agent (Kansas City, MO, US, 46072)
Niman Ranch supports a community of more than 720 independent farmers and ranchers who raise pork, beef and lamb traditionally, humanely and sustainably to deliver the finest tasting meat. Niman Ranch is part of Perdue Farms, a family-owned company heading into its second century of growth and innovation.
Summary
We are recruiting for an experienced Field Agent. The Field Agent (FA) position reports to the Director of Live Operations and is responsible for a specific geographic region. This position is accountable for recruiting new farmers, maintaining and supporting existing farmers, providing short and long-term projections, auditing to ensure farmers are compliant with company protocols and assisting in the contracting process. This position requires strong organizational skills, so the Field Agent’s activities are efficiently planned and executed.
Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Recruiting & Retention: This position will be responsible for recruiting new farmers (farrow-to-finish and weaned pig finishers) into the Niman Ranch farmers’ network. Field Agent should actively explore and pursue all avenues to increase the company farmer base to include, but not limited to feed companies/ co-ops/feed mills, genetic companies, trade events, local banks and leads from existing farmers. Field Agent will work to retain all current Niman Ranch farmers by providing excellent service and communication as well as helping farmers to improve their operations to become more financially productive.
- Farmer Contracts: Field Agent will promote Niman Ranch farmer contracts and work during the yearly contracting period to assure their farmers are following the contracting procedure.
- Farm Visits: Field Agent will visit each farm in their territory a minimum of four (4) times per year, unless extenuating circumstances require more frequency. This position will physically inventory pigs on each visit, perform audit functions and assist farmer in production improvement.
- Projections: Field Agent will provide market hog projections to their shipping manager after each farm visit.
- Travel: Travel is required to visit farms within but not limited to the states of Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri. Some overnight travel is required.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
- Must possess a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in an applicable field of study OR have 5+ years of practical swine management experience. Combination of both is preferred.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite of programs and have the ability to learn a web-based database. Computer proficiency is required.
- Must possess extremely skillful communication and organizational skills.
- Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Swine production experience, especially centered around farrow to finish, is preferred.
- Must have the ability to productively work from a home-based office and perform the travel required within set territory.
Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements
- Able to stand for several hours.
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Willing and able to work in wet and extreme cold or hot conditions.
- Willing and able to work around dust, feathers, animals and various cleaning chemicals.
Perdue Farms, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.