Farm Practices Representative - Dairy Farmers of America : Job Details

**Job Description**

**General Purpose**

Support farm practices activities, coordinate communications and resource development, and support various projects and industry initiatives.

**Job Duties and Responsibilities**

+ Promote a positive outlook to members about the DFA programs including DFA Farm Services

+ Promote a positive outlook to members about DFAs strategy

+ Maintain awareness of dairy farming practices and the latest science and technology being used on farm, and conduct research on the impact; present findings to various audiences

+ Support key initiatives focused on DFA's on-farm programs

+ Develop and assist with executing communications strategies

+ Serve as a key resource in the development of resources and materials that can be shared with various audiences

+ Develop presentations for consistent message across DFA business units and deliver to various internal and external audiences

+ Benchmark internal policies and procedures

+ Conduct special projects/studies

+ Develop and maintain relationships with agencies that regulate animal health, milk quality, and emergency preparedness

+ Represent DFA and serve as a liaison at industry meetings and conventions and support industry relations with key groups focused on farming practices including but not limited to Dairy Calf and Heifer Association, Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, American Dairy Science Association, National Institute of Animal Agriculture, Universities and local extension programs

+ In collaboration with corporate and regional staff, work with customers on animal health, milk quality, nutrition, and traceability programs

+ Support member services staff and/or member farms to ensure compliance with the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program and DFA's Gold Standard Dairy program (GSD)

+ The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

**Requirements**

**Education and Experience**

+ Undergraduate degree in animal science, dairy science, ag business, agriculture communications, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)

+ 2 to 5 years of agriculture or related experience

+ Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**

+ High level of competency around dairy production and farming operations

+ Passion for working with dairy farmers

+ Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems

+ Good problem-solving ability and judgment

+ Able to produce effective training materials and design/deliver effective training programs to field staff, members, dairy farm employees, or other general audiences

+ Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, for a diverse range of internal and external audiences

+ Able to effectively work independently, with management, and part of a team to meet targets

+ Able to self-motivate and collaborate and coordinate with others effectively

+ Able to synthesize, clarify, and simplify abstract topics

+ Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer

**Pay Range** $60000-$65000 / year