Extension Ag Economist- KFMA NW Colby

About This Role

The Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA) Northwest is seeking applicants to fill the role of an Extension Agricultural Economist in our Colby, KS office. The responsibilities of an Extension Agricultural Economist are varied but center around providing education and consultation to KFMA member farms in the area of farm business management. KFMA Economists strive to provide cooperating farms with \

KFMA NW works with farm families in a 17-county area. Principal crops are wheat, corn and grain sorghum. Livestock enterprises in NW Kansas are primarily focused on beef production. Average farm size is 3,200 crop acres

LOCATION: Colby, Kansas

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The foundation of the KFMA program is providing education and consultation to member farms in the area of farm business management. KFMA Economists strive to provide cooperating farms with resources to make informed financial, production, and tax management decisions. In order to achieve this goal, an Extension Agricultural Economist is expected to:

Develop and maintain a relationship with membership of approximately 70 - 80 cooperating commercial farms

Assist cooperating farms with development of a comprehensive and accurate accounting of the farm. Complete records are the essential foundation of all KFMA services provided.

Provide KFMA members with:

Regular, scheduled on-farm visits each year (at times requiring extensive travel within the association)

An annual accrual whole-farm business analysis utilizing KFMA software to collect and process information

An annual economic analysis of farm enterprises

Benchmarks of farm performance in comparison to similar farms and/or industry standards

Guidance based on interpretation of whole-farm, enterprise, and benchmark analysis

Guidance and recommendations in estate planning, farm succession planning, and business entity structure.

Learn and understand federal and state income tax regulations as they apply to farm businesses. This includes significant time spent working with members on:

Tax implications of farm business management decisions

Year-end tax planning and management

Preliminary income tax related work for KFMA NW members

Final income tax filing as an employee of Northwest Kansas Agricultural Tax Services, Inc. (with consulting leave time taken from Extension Agricultural Economist position)

Collect, process, and verify financial and production information from cooperating farms to be utilized by K-State Extension for research, teaching, and other Extension programs

Market and promote KFMA by supporting county, area, and state Extension personnel with technical expertise in the area of farm business and farm income tax management

Participate in continuing education to expand farm income tax and farm management technical skills

About Us

KFMA Vision:

The Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA), through its affiliation with K-State Extension, will be the valued and trusted provider of integrated data management systems to apply critical thinking and strategic business planning for farm and ranch decision makers; and will be the premier source of farm-level economic data in the world.

KFMA Mission and Purpose:

To work as an efficient team of economists, serving on the management team for KFMA member farms, as a farm business management resource

To provide high quality and timely farm recordkeeping, financial analysis and tax management

To achieve the goal of improved farm and family decision making, resulting in increased farm profitability and sustainability

Worksite Description

This position is on-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Accounting, Finance or related field

Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all college coursework

Minimum of 6 hours of coursework in accounting

Ability to effectively communicate with individuals and groups

Evidence of solid planning, prioritization and organizational skills

Good understanding of production agriculture

Ability to effectively utilize computer technology, software and applications

Demonstrated expertise in understanding and communicating sound farm accounting principles and economic relationships in agriculture

Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Self-discipline to work independently, and flexibility to work as part of a team

Ability to handle a workload that varies depending on the time of year (heavy workload required November-April)

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Accounting or related field

Or

At least three years of acceptable performance in a position in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, Accounting, Finance or related field

Tax-related accounting coursework

Farm income-tax preparation experience

Applicants who meet the required qualifications, but do not meet the preferred qualifications for this position may be considered for an Associate Extension Agricultural Economist position with KFMA, NW. An Associate position is expected to successfully develop the skills and knowledge required for the position of Extension Agricultural Economist while providing support to the Extension Agricultural Economists working in the association. The position is designed to lead into an Extension Agricultural Economist position with KFMA NW within two years if all objectives are met, based on regular evaluations during the training period.

Specific responsibilities during the training period include:

Become proficient in farm record keeping systems used within the association (QuickBooks, FarmBooks, and manual record book)

Learn to efficiently use proprietary programs and spreadsheets for farm economic analysis and tax planning (K-MAR-105 Analysis System, K-MAR-105 Depreciation, and Microsoft Excel).

Develop an understanding of agricultural accounting, estate planning, business entity structure, and income tax management as they apply to farm businesses

Learn KFMA NW procedures to collect, process, and verify information from member farm businesses in order to complete a whole farm and enterprise analysis

Complete requirements to achieve IRS Enrolled Agent status

Provide support to KFMA NW Extension Agricultural Economists as they deliver economic analysis and technical expertise to KFMA member farm businesses

Develop skills necessary to complete tax forms (Forms 1096/1099, W-2/W-3, 1040, 1065, 1120, and 1120S) through Northwest Kansas Agricultural Tax Service, Inc (Consulting Leave days taken from Extension position to complete final tax preparation)

Additional Role Information:

Travel, which will be required for this position, is primarily within the KFMA NW association area but may occasionally involve overnight travel to other areas of Kansas. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives including either use of an association provided vehicle or mileage reimbursement will be provided.

For more information Contact Kellen L. Liebsch, Associate Director, Kansas Farm Management Association Program. Office: (785) 539-0373; E-mail: kellen@ksu.edu The KFMA program website is www.AgManager.info/KFMA

Licenses and certifications

Must have access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.

Additional expectations

This role will require the ability to work with people from various backgrounds and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K‑State’s initiative for access and opportunity.

Extension agents work a flexible schedule which will include nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

Letter of application

Resume including contact informationfor three professional references. (Each reference will be asked to upload a letter of support for the applicant)

Official transcripts of all college coursework

You will also be asked to provide the names and email addresses of three professional references .

Application Window

Applications close on: November 30, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Range

Commensurate with training and experience as negotiated by the Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University; the Board of Directors of Kansas Farm Management Association, Northwest; and the applicant.