AGRONOMIST JOB DESCRIPTION

A grower portfolio managed without consistent technical guidance misses yield targets. Agronomists in commercial agriculture are the field-based experts who hold those relationships together, translating seed science and crop input knowledge into advice that growers can act on at the farm gate. In this industry, the role spans both a technical and a commercial mandate: the person who holds it must be equally credible discussing soybean variety performance with a district sales representative and reviewing acreage contract allocations with plant administrative staff. Certified Crop Advisor standing and deep familiarity with integrated pest management protocols are the floor, not the ceiling.

As the Agronomist, you will serve as the primary technical and commercial resource across an assigned grower territory, translating crop input science into on-farm recommendations that move contract volumes and grower profitability. You will work within a district sales and operations structure, supporting sales representatives, channel partners, and branch staff while reporting to a district or regional manager.

Career Impact: Hands-on ownership of a named grower portfolio in seed or input sales builds a track record that opens doors to senior territory management and commercial agronomy leadership roles within major agricultural companies.

Business Impact: Growers who receive timely, accurate crop protection and nutrition advice renew contracts and expand acreage allocations, outcomes that this role directly influences through every farm call and field day.

Growth Opportunity: The technical depth required, from statistical trial evaluation to Certified Crop Advisor credentialing, raises your market value across seed, crop protection, and precision agronomy sectors as the role expands in scope.

• Own the technical product advisory relationship across an assigned grower territory, covering both proprietary and competitive seed and crop input portfolios.
• Conduct regular farm calls alongside sales representatives to evaluate crop conditions and recommend timely crop protection and nutrition programs.
• Manage grower contracts within the assigned area, including acreage allocations, tier calculations, and delivery scheduling in coordination with plant and elevator staff.
• Lead product and agronomy training sessions for sales representatives, seed account managers, and channel partners at field days and branch meetings.
• Evaluate experimental trial plots and translate results into product positioning guidance and sales force training materials for new launches.
• Monitor competitive pricing and product performance across the district to inform portfolio and campaign strategy.
• Coordinate applied research plot locations and maintain accurate records to support agronomic recommendations and customer reporting.

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of commercial agronomy or agricultural sales experience, with demonstrated grower-facing responsibility.
• Working knowledge of integrated pest management principles, crop nutrition programs, and seed variety evaluation methods.
• Proven ability to manage multiple grower accounts simultaneously, including contract documentation and communication under time pressure.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to both farmers and internal sales teams.
• Valid driver's licence with a clean driving record and willingness to travel regularly within an assigned territory.

Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) designation or active progress toward certification in the relevant state

Experience with grower contract management, including acreage planning, tier compensation structures, or elevator coordination

Familiarity with precision agriculture data collection methods, including soil sampling, yield mapping, or GIS-based field records

Prior experience in seed production, agronomy research, or new product launch support within a commercial agriculture setting

• Grower contract renewal rate, reflecting how well the managed portfolio is retained season over season.
• Acreage allocation accuracy, measured by the variance between contracted and delivered volumes across the assigned territory.
• Trial plot evaluation cycle time, tracking how quickly experimental results are translated into sales force training materials.
• Product recommendation compliance rate, indicating the share of grower applications aligning with issued prescriptions and label requirements.
• Competitive displacement rate, measuring acreage converted from competitor products within the assigned district.
• Typical tools: farm management and agronomic record systems (commonly field mapping and crop planning platforms); CRM platforms (commonly contact and account management software)

• Base Salary Range: $65,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on territory size and experience
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus tied to territory sales and contract volume targets
• Equity: Not typical at this level; may apply at senior or regional director roles
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution standard
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus public holidays; additional flexibility during off-peak seasons
• Common Perks: Company vehicle or vehicle allowance, mileage reimbursement, continuing education support for CCA renewal

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment in this role is contingent on successful completion of a pre-employment background check. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process are encouraged to submit that request at the time of application. Candidates must hold current authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

The Agronomist owns product and technology expertise for corn and soybean seeds across a commercial unit, leading product training, evaluating experimental trials, and providing localized agronomic advice to district managers, sales representatives, and channel partners. Working within the district and campaign team, the Agronomist shapes portfolio direction and builds agronomic skills in sales representatives, seed account managers, and seed advisers to strengthen competitive positioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the product and technology expert for corn and soybean seeds within the assigned commercial unit, covering both proprietary and competitive products
• Lead product training for employees and customers
• Evaluate experimental trials to support sales force training on new product launches and provide marketing input on product advancements
• Provide input on production planning and portfolio for the assigned district
• Sharpen competitive intelligence on pricing and products
• Support product-based campaign development in the district
• Provide localized product, technology, and agronomic information and advice to district managers, sales representatives, channel partners, customers, and prospects
• Promote products at meetings, field days, and customer meetings
• Support and coordinate plot locations and entries in the assigned area
• Obtain buy-in from commercial operations on local portfolio direction and strategies
• Teach and develop agronomic skills in sales representatives, seed account managers, and seed advisers
• Call on customers with sales representatives and serve as a role model, teacher, and coach
• Act as a key interface with the district and campaign team
• Partner with sales representatives to plan strategies to compete effectively with competitor products

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Agronomy or a related agricultural field
• 2+ years of experience in agronomy or sales, with a strong technical background
• 2+ years of experience in a research and development role, with a strong understanding of sales and commercial aspects
• Significant technical knowledge of product portfolio, product pipeline, and product value propositions
• Deep knowledge of the seed industry
• Basic understanding of marketing principles and techniques
• Understanding of statistical principles and data analysis
• Understanding of agronomic theory, including farming best practices, seed technologies, and crop protection
• Understanding of segmentation strategy and priorities

Embedded within the soybean production operation at Jackson, MN, the Agronomist serves as the primary field contact for soybean seed production, overseeing grower management, integrated pest management, and production research programs. Working closely with plant administrative staff, field managers, and growers, the Agronomist delivers grower evaluation programs and safety initiatives that sustain product quality and operational profitability.

Core Functions

• Supervise field work and plant operations, and prepare reports as assigned
• Supervise employees in the assigned operational area, including temporary and seasonal workers
• Coach growers on developing production management programs that enhance grower profitability, and maintain regular communication with growers to resolve conflicts
• Maintain a grower evaluation program to measure grower productivity effectively and fairly
• Manage all aspects of grower contracts, including grower tier and compensation calculations, working closely with plant administrative staff
• Manage seed acreage contract allocations to growers
• Remain knowledgeable of current agronomic practices and government agricultural programs
• Participate in or lead plant activities as assigned by location and field managers
• Participate in all related areas of the quality management system to assure the highest possible product quality
• Champion safety programs and support the growth and maintenance of safety efforts
• Champion digital field technologies and support field projects throughout the entire operation

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in an agriculture-related area
• 5–8 years of experience working with seed growers and seed plant operations
• Leadership experience, with the ability to motivate, supervise, and work well with others
• Technical background in seed and crop production
• Proficiency in PC-based software
• Analytical skills, data management, data analysis, and statistical techniques
• Good verbal and written communication skills

Reporting to farm management, the Agronomist provides expert guidance on nutrition, pest management, and irrigation to field foremen and managers, recommending products, timing, and application rates to support high-yielding, high-quality crop production. Partnering with water suppliers, vendors, and interdepartmental stakeholders, the Agronomist advances cropping practices from concept through financial justification and execution, enabling economical and sustainable farm output.

Primary Duties

• Recommend products, timing, and rates for crop nutrition and protection, and write application prescriptions
• Train and assist field foremen in monitoring irrigation timing and effectiveness, including soil moisture monitoring, ET, and pressure bomb methods
• Monitor regulatory and prescription compliance on all crop input applications
• Coordinate water orders with the water supplier
• Provide training to foremen, crew leads, and scouts on pest scouting methods and identification
• Coordinate harvesting to minimise quality losses from pests, including diseases and insects
• Identify better purchasing strategies by learning vendors' business operations
• Formulate ideas for improving cropping practices, following through from concept to financial justification and execution, where applicable
• Assist with the development of capital and operational budgets

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science or equivalent related experience in agronomy, including farming crops, pest control, farm equipment, and GIS/GPS use
• Master's degree in a related field preferred
• Certified Crop Advisor and Pest Control Advisor licences
• Previous supervisory experience with demonstrated strong leadership skills; project management experience is a plus
• Proficient computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office products
• Strong attention to detail, troubleshooting, and multi-tasking skills
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills

Sitting at the intersection of agronomic science and sustainability strategy, the Agronomist leads regenerative agricultural research and development, defining priorities and coordinating trials with regional managers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America in support of Nestlé's sustainability and climate commitments. Operating across internal project teams, external research networks, and global business stakeholders, the Agronomist builds a strategic project portfolio and drives innovation that advances sustainable ingredient supply.

Duties

• Define and execute priorities for regenerative agricultural research
• Lead and coordinate agronomic trials with regional managers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America
• Coordinate the agricultural research projects strategy with stakeholders, including project leaders, researchers, agronomists, and operations
• Build and lead a strong project portfolio in agronomy research, and establish strategic partnerships to address key challenges in agriculture and ingredient supply
• Propose and drive innovation, and liaise with internal and external networks to stay abreast of the latest developments and emerging technologies in agriculture
• Drive engagement and compliance around regenerative agriculture science
• Communicate the agricultural research strategy effectively, building research reports, presentations, and proposals

Requirements

• Experience in both perennial and annual crop production is a plus
• Good knowledge of agriculture technology, product commercialisation challenges, and regulatory strategies
• Exposure to regenerative agriculture practices
• Good understanding of current and recently discovered carbon sequestration and mitigation practices
• Ability to build strong internal and external networks and communicate with various stakeholders to build partnerships
• Passion for environmental issues and preserving planetary resources

A key member of the agronomy and branch network team, the Agronomist delivers technical tillage expertise and agronomic advice to existing and prospective customers, executing marketing campaigns and managing customer accounts in line with business targets. Collaborating across branch, agronomy, and commercial functions, the Agronomist builds customer relationships and drives product sales within a competitive tillage market.

Functions

• Work with a list of existing and potentially new tillage customers in line with specific targets
• Ensure cash is collected in line with targets and that debtor days are maintained at the required level
• Develop and maintain key information on all customers
• Provide technical tillage expertise and a technical message to customers
• Execute campaigns and marketing plans in line with business needs
• Work closely with the branch network and agronomy team, as well as other functions

Experience & Qualifications

• A degree in agricultural science or higher is an advantage, but not essential
• Strong knowledge of the technical elements of tillage operations
• Strong working knowledge of IT systems, including Microsoft, with the ability to learn other systems
• Ability to build rapport with customers and understand their needs
• Good commercial acumen with a focus on selling the product
• Proven ability in planning, time management, and meeting deadlines
• Ability to be resilient in a competitive market

Sustainable barley supply and grower profitability depend on the Agronomist, who serves approximately 72 growers in an assigned area, conducting barley contracting, scheduling farm deliveries, and managing sustainability and regenerative agriculture projects. Based within the agricultural business and working alongside elevator staff, the Agronomist applies strong interpersonal and leadership skills to support growers through crop production and policy-driven contract adjustments.

Accountabilities

• Serve as an agronomic adviser for approximately 72 growers in the assigned area
• Manage sustainability and regenerative agriculture projects as assigned
• Conduct barley contracting with area growers
• Schedule farm deliveries throughout the year
• Work with elevator staff regarding grower issues
• Increase and decrease barley contract volumes as policy dictates

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture or a related field
• Work experience in the agricultural business
• Previous experience working with farmers in crop production
• Interpersonal skills and team orientation
• Leadership skills, comfort with change, and the ability to lead change

As the Agronomist, this role coordinates a sustainable Patchouli micro supply-chain project in Sulawesi, leading field experiments, farmer training, and Good Agricultural Practices guidelines to build and monitor a functioning supply-chain model. The Head of Origination Agronomy, located in France, relies on this work to ensure rigorous crop scouting, stakeholder collaboration with universities and research centres, and timely reporting that supports broader agronomy projects across Indonesia.

Activities

• Review scientific and technical literature, and connect and collaborate with the consultant responsible for the initial project steps
• Acquire Patchouli crop expertise, and review and formalise Good Agricultural Practices guidelines
• Train farmers' group agronomists to GAP using a train-the-trainer approach, and support farmer training
• Conduct crop scouting and tour farmers' fields to monitor crops and provide technical field investigation and solution proposals
• Lead field experiments with stakeholders to test best practices, including protocol design, field trial monitoring, results analysis, reporting, and communication
• Connect internally with various stakeholders interested in project outputs and externally with entities that can provide input, including universities, research centres, and agricultural consultants

Position Requirements

• Degree in Agronomy or Agro-Forestry
• Good technical agricultural background and work experience; specific knowledge of Patchouli farming and/or local Indonesian specialty crops is advantageous
• Good data management, written reporting, and computing skills
• Leadership ability and a good level of autonomy, combined with a strong teamwork mindset
• Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia and business-proficient English
• Willingness to work from home and flexibility to travel regularly within Sulawesi and other locations in Indonesia
• Interest in field work and farming practices, in close contact with farmers
• Organised, determined, and enthusiastic personality

Agronomist oversees the agronomy strategy for Barfoots farm, managing crop protection, nutrient management, and IPM programs across all crops while ensuring legislative compliance and environmental sustainability. The work directly supports the Head of Crop Production, field teams, chemical suppliers, and contractors by delivering timely recommendations, audit readiness, and precision application techniques that maintain harvest quality and cost-effective yield.

Operational Focus

• Plan crop husbandry, chemical, and fertiliser use across all crops
• Create an agricultural chemical and fertiliser budget, and manage chemical and fertiliser stores, including monthly stock takes
• Update crop protection product information databases promptly
• Create nutrient management plans, and write deployments and risk and spreading maps for digestate as required
• Write recommendations for all crops, chemicals, and fertilisers, ensuring all crop protection product recommendations adhere to EAMU or label requirements
• Enter recommendations into the farm management system promptly, and ensure IPM records are retained
• Set pest thresholds by crop and proactively engage with chemical suppliers on volumes and prices
• Ensure the farm is prepared for audits and provide support during farm audits
• Develop precision applications and growing techniques, and write chemical justifications for new products
• Support crop production managers as required, and create and maintain effective relationships with chemical companies, suppliers, and contractors

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject
• Possess BASIS Certificate
• Possess FACTS Certificate
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including email
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong literacy and numerical skills
• Strong attention to detail

The Agronomist produces agronomic recommendations and equipment support for precision farming products and services, conducting soil analysis, field trials, and customer needs analyses within a hands-on, customer-facing role. Reporting to the business development team and collaborating with internal and external customers, the Agronomist drives grower qualification, CRM-based account management, and applied research that enables accurate data collection and prospective business development.

Key Deliverables

• Provide and facilitate agronomic recommendations and equipment support for precision farming products and services
• Support the business development team with equipment
• Agronomic expertise, and assist in qualifying growers and closing sales
• Use a CRM system daily to ensure all customer information is current, recording all calls, meetings, and crop plans, and acting upon tagged clients, including sales leads and notifications
• Facilitate the creation of applied research and accurate data collection and comparison
• Remain in continuous learning mode and bring new concepts and ideas to the team for prospective development

Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture with 3–6 years of related work experience, specifically in soil analysis and field trials within a hands-on, customer-facing role
• Proficient computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs; previous experience with a CRM program is an asset
• Valid driver's licence with a good driving record
• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to conduct customer needs analyses on an ongoing basis
• Excellent diagnostic skills
• Ability to support internal and external customers in both cold and warm calls and during the sales process
• Superior customer relations skills, with the ability to work both independently and as a team player
• Good negotiating skills
• Willingness to work flexible hours to accommodate the seasonal nature of the industry

Reporting to branch management, the Agronomist develops on-farm agronomic advice for key clients across winter cropping and pasture-based grazing systems, introducing new techniques, technologies, and products to optimise farm returns. Working closely with key suppliers and branch colleagues, the Agronomist refines client support plans, participates in field trials, and maintains technical skills that enhance production and expand market opportunities for agronomic services.

Areas of Ownership

• Provide agronomic services to clients, including advice on rotations, crop protection, nutrition, and livestock production
• Introduce new techniques, technologies, and products to clients to optimise farm returns
• Develop and maintain customer support plans and customer records
• Prepare regular call plans and participate in branch meetings
• Maintain personal technical skills to ensure the advice given is accurate
• Maintain effective relations with key suppliers, and assist with field trials and demonstrations where appropriate

Background & Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in Agricultural Science are essential
• Current unrestricted driver's licence
• Experience with commercial agronomy servicing broadacre cropping systems in a sales, consulting, or in-house capacity
• Experience providing on-farm agronomic advice and recommendations
• Strong negotiation skills and confidence to follow through on closing sales with clients
• Strong organisational and communication skills, both written and verbal

Reporting to the Rice Agronomy Manager, the Agronomist advances rice supply security by serving as the trusted adviser and regional rice expert for farmers, collaborating with university extension, procurement teams, and internal subject matter experts to deliver agronomic best practices, farmer-facing programs, and commercial policy insights. Partnering with farmers across operations, the Agronomist refines digital farming tools, manages grower-direct financial forecasts, and develops new production areas to meet volume and quality needs for Anheuser-Busch.

Role Responsibilities

• Secure rice supply in terms of quality and quantity in the short and long term, focusing on reducing risk from climate, environment, markets, and competing crops
• Represent the company in all interactions with farmers and the local farming community
• Analyse the region from agronomic, economic, and environmental perspectives, and provide insights to inform commercial policy and sustainability strategies
• Serve as the trusted adviser and regional rice expert, supporting farmers across operations to achieve greater profitability and environmental sustainability
• Serve as the central point of contact for all farmer interfaces, collaborating with internal and external subject matter experts to ensure appropriate responses and communications
• Advise farmers on crop management and share best practices to drive productivity, efficiency, and quality
• Collaborate with procurement teams and other agronomists to develop and execute farmer programs and projects that drive economic, social, and environmental shared value
• Collect farm-level data and provide insights and recommendations back to the farmer
• Participate in the development of a digital farming platform, implement digital tools with farmers, and provide feedback to drive future development
• Assist with accurate, timely financial forecasts related to grower-direct purchases, and manage monthly forecasting and actual performance to budget
• Work with the agronomy manager to create annual material, grower spend, and core working capital budgets
• Influence farmers to grow rice and execute contracts, covering creation, pricing, and overall management
• Organise and ensure rice delivery in coordination with the mill receiving team
• Identify and develop new rice production areas and new farmers to meet volume and quality needs

Minimum Qualifications

• University degree or higher, with an agronomy degree preferred
• Fluency in the local language and proficiency in English
• Appropriate mix of technical, agronomic, sales, and management skills
• PC skills, including Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Office
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Strong problem-solving, analytical skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks and assess priorities effectively
• Strong people skills and ability to work with teams and multiple stakeholders
• Self-starter who can take ownership and work independently
• Curious mindset with a strong willingness to learn
• Ability to differentiate between conflicting priorities and identify underlying causes

Sitting at the intersection of controlled-environment propagation and field-scale trial management, the Agronomist validates new high-performance crop varieties by developing propagation protocols, procuring elite seed materials, and acting as the point of contact for external specialist field trial centres. Operating across a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians, the Agronomist oversees SOP development for potting, watering, fertilisation, and pest management while generating reports that communicate trial results to the team and broader stakeholders.

Job Functions

• Work within a team of scientists and technicians to validate new and high-performance crop varieties, taking ideas from the lab through to field trials
• Develop and carry out plant propagation protocols for growing crops in controlled environments
• Support the operations team daily in managing plant propagation facilities, including SOP development for potting, watering, fertilisation, pest management, disease management, and harvesting
• Procure elite seed materials for R&D purposes to support crop enhancement developments
• Act as the point of contact for external specialist field trial centres, cultivate relationships with collaborators, monitor trials alongside partners, and generate reports communicating results to the team and broader stakeholders

Education & Experience

• A higher education qualification in a relevant subject, such as agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, or a similar field
• Proven experience propagating crops within agricultural settings, both in the field and at scale, beyond controlled small-scale trials
• Extensive experience in the growth and maintenance of crop species in both field and controlled environments, including familiarity with lighting and watering requirements within controlled environment agriculture
• Experience running Licor gas exchange devices when measuring photosynthetic parameters
• Experience with elite wheat varieties, including the ability to identify and manage common diseases; familiarity with oilseeds and common legume crops is desirable
• Ability to conduct field trials with CROs, with a working knowledge of relevant agricultural machinery, trial designs, statistical analysis, and yield trait examination
• A curious mindset with the ability to take initiative, tackle complex problems from first principles, and learn from both successes and failures
• A motivated attitude, with a focus on seeking new opportunities, building relationships, collaborating in a multi-disciplinary environment, and supporting team development