Associate Sales Agronomist

• Location 3480 US-52,Decorah, IA, 52101,United States
• Employee Type Full Time Non-Exempt

The Associate Sales Program is a structured development track designed to prepare individuals for a full-time Regional Sales Agronomist role. Through hands‑on experience, classroom‑style learning, and mentorship, participants gain a deep understanding of agronomic practices, sales techniques, and customer relationship management within the cooperative system.

• Build foundational knowledge in crop production, soil science, and product performance.
• Develop professional selling and communication skills to effectively serve growers.
• Learn the cooperative’s products, services, and operational processes.
• Gain real‑world experience working with experienced agronomists in the field.
• Transition into an independent sales territory within 12–24 months

Length: Typically,
12–24 months
, depending on prior experience and performance.
Format: A blend of field experience
, classroom training
, and mentorship
.

• Introduction to the cooperative’s structure, mission, and core values.
• Safety and Oakland training.
• Overview of agronomy operations, logistics, and sales processes.
• Product knowledge introduction (seed, fertilizer, crop protection, precision ag tools).

• Hands‑on training in soil sampling, crop scouting, and yield analysis.
• Hands‑on applicating once Custom Application License is obtained.
• Field experience with senior agronomists on customer farms.
• Vendor and manufacturer product training sessions.
• Begin assisting in writing basic crop plans and recommendations.
• Training in sales strategy, customer service, and territory management.
• Shadowing sales agronomists on sales calls and grower meetings.
• Begin managing a small group of accounts under supervision.
• Complete training on financing options.
• Use Oakland, Agronomy Operations and precision ag platforms for sales tracking, dispatching and customer planning.

• Continued mentorship and performance evaluation.
• Final review and readiness assessment for promotion to full‑time Regional Sales Agronomist
  .

• Full ownership of customer relationships.
• Mentoring incoming associate agronomists.

• CDL certification
• CCA exam preparation
• Precision ag certifications (as needed)

• Company vehicle
• Microsoft Surface
• Commission pay
• Mentorship: One‑on‑one guidance from experienced agronomists or sales managers.
• Monthly development meetings
• Quarterly goal‑setting sessions
• Annual performance review and career planning
• Technical Training: Agronomy best practices, crop protection, seed placement, and precision technology.
• Sales Training: Consultative selling, communication, and customer relationship management.
• Cross‑Functional Exposure: Operations, logistics, finance, and cooperative business practices.
• Performance Feedback: Regular check‑ins, progress reviews, and skill assessments.

• Recent graduate in Agronomy, Crop Science, Ag Business, or related field
  .
• Strong interest in agronomy and ag sales.
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Willingness to travel and work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Team‑oriented, motivated, and eager to learn.