Summary

Niman Ranch supports a community of more than 600 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.

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, and assisting in the contracting process.  This position requires strong organizational skills, so the Field Agent’s activities are efficiently planned and executed. This is a remote, home-based position, so applicants are encouraged to apply if they live within 100 miles of Springfield (any direction but south).

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, grade weaned pigs, oversee feeder pig production, and assist farmers 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 and Missouri. Some overnight travel is required.

Minimum Education

• 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.

Experience Requirements

• 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 is preferred.
• Must have the ability to productively work from a home-based office and perform the travel required within set territory.

Experience Preferred

• Swine production experience, especially centered around farrow to finish is preferred.

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.