Extension Educator, Agricultural Business Management

Title: Extension Educator, Agricultural Business Management

Job code: 9624PA (Assistant Extension Professor)

Employee Group: Professional & Administrative, Non-Tenure Track

Full/Part Time (FTE): 100% time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Office location: Extension Regional Office (Preferred office locations:
Mankato, Rochester, Willmar, Farmington, North Metro office, St. Cloud; location negotiated at offer time)

Estimated salary range: $70,000 - $82,000

Apply by: July 24, 2026

The Extension Educator for Agricultural Business Management plays a vital role in supporting Minnesota's agricultural sector by developing and delivering targeted educational programs to enhance farm profitability and strategic business management. This position will develop and deliver educational programs on farm profitability, land rental agreements, farmland sales, commodity marketing, local and direct marketing, and other business management topics.

Housed at a Minnesota Extension Regional Office, preferably in southern Minnesota. This is an in‑person position, hybrid or flexible work options may be available; minimum two to three days a week in the office. The position serves a statewide programming area.

Full-time, flexible schedule including evening and weekend work. Ability to travel within designated communities providing in‑person programming. Must bring their own vehicle for transportation of supplies and personnel.

80% Educational Program Development and Delivery

• Design, develop, deliver, and evaluate high quality, outcome-focused Extension educational programs on financial and management topics for farmers, agricultural professionals, and rural businesses.
• Focus areas:
  Farm profitability, land rent, farmland sales, commodity marketing, local and direct marketing, farm policy.
• Employ appropriate delivery systems: face‑to‑face presentations, technology-based methods, workshops, train‑the‑trainer approaches.
• Contribute to ABM programs on farm transition planning, beginning farmer education, and tax education.
• Work in interdisciplinary teams and utilize university expertise to analyze business strategies.
• Develop and maintain effective state, regional, industry, and university partnerships.
• Assume program leadership on specific programs or projects as agreed with Program Leader(s).
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert and engage with media to disseminate research-based information on farm economy and business trends.

15% Scholarship

• Conduct market research, design, develop, deliver, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs based on scholarly theory and research.
• Collaborate with campus faculty and graduate students on applied research projects.
• Identify and use new and emerging technology for communication, program design and delivery, and reporting.

5% Other

• Continue professional development in scholarship, program development and delivery.
• Participate in progress and performance review systems.
• Engage in other special projects and duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agricultural economics, agricultural business management, applied economics, finance, or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of farm business management concepts: financial management, farmland rental, commodity marketing, resource acquisition, strategic management, and policy impacts.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Technology‑enhanced communication and teaching skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with partners and stakeholders (policy makers, participants, industry groups).

• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Must be reachable by mobile or alternate number when not in assigned office (own expense).
• Must work regularly at a dedicated Extension office.
• Reliable internet access when working off‑site.
• Must travel within designated communities and provide in‑person programming.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening, weekend, and in‑state overnight travel (up to two overnights per month).
• Proficiency in computer use;…