Job Description

The Lead Agricultural Industries Analyst will analyze, forecast, and interpret market conditions and economic policies and operations of agricultural industries including row crop production and processing, livestock production and processing, dairy, forest products, biofuels, retail farm supply and specialty crops.

 

Develops and maintains a deep and broad understanding and expertise of key assigned industries in the CoBank lending portfolio, and translates industry knowledge into forward-looking insights for CoBank. Create original, impactful research products tailored to CoBank's rural stakeholders, including rural cooperatives and industry organizations. Convey complex industry insights via dynamic story-telling and engaging presentations. Plan, organize and execute educational events, seminars, and strategic planning sessions. Works utilizing various media styles including written reports, presentations, webinars, and podcasts. Works in close collaboration with other CoBank colleagues to identify research needs. 

Essential Functions

• Conducts in-depth economic studies on the assigned area of expertise (including, but not limited to: supply, demand, costs, pricing structure, etc.) to support decision-making, policy proposals, and regulatory measures.
• Uses statistical tools to forecast future trends in consumption, costs, revenues, and resource availability for long-term planning.
• Monitors market dynamics, technological innovation, and policy changes impacting the assigned sector and analyze their implications.
• Identifies and evaluates relevant economic risks, including but not limited to: related to price volatility, regulatory changes, environmental mandates, and infrastructure aging.
• Synthesizes information to create original opinions and forecasts related to various macroeconomic topics including interest rates, energy, construction, demographic shifts, and federal policies, among others.
• Keeps abreast of new developments, market trends and macroeconomic conditions impacting assigned industries.
• Identifies key topics of research interest through ongoing customer and colleague interaction.
• Engages and influences stakeholders in order to promote CoBank’s mission.
• Writes original, insightful, forward-looking reports on industry trends, structural changes, and policy initiatives impacting internal and external audiences.
• Responds to media interview requests and maintains ongoing relationships with relevant industry journalists.
• Presents original research at national and regional industry conferences, to internal CoBank meetings and to individual customers.
• Works with internal stakeholders to develop research priorities and coordinate/promote the exchange of information among internal stakeholders.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant discipline such as economics, agricultural economics, agronomy, soil science, business, or finance. required
• Master's Degree or PhD in a relevant discipline such as economics, applied economics, finance, business, public policy, journalism, or other related. preferred

Work Experience

8 years of experience as an industry or economic analyst. required

Diversified Agricultural Experience in two or more of the following industries: Livestock production, meat processing, grain marketing, ag transport/infrastructure, dairy processing, forest products, biofuels, federal farm policy.Proven experience in creating impactful industry research and insight.Exceptional analytical skills with demonstrated market knowledge and expertise.Broad-based business sense and acumen, including interpretation of financial statements.Excellent verbal, written, presentation and public speaking skills.Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of associates, management, internal customers and other stakeholders.Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to deliver commitments while juggling multiple projects and competing priorities.Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.

Physical Exertion Details

Sedentary Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Travel Requirement Details

Occasional Travel occurs infrequently (typically, once a month or less).

About CoBank

The typical base pay range for this role is between $161,100 - $198,100. Compensation may vary based on individual job-related knowledge, skills, expertise, and experience. This position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive program driven by organization and individual performance.

The listed salary, other compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. This job will be posted for a minimum of five (5) business days or until the position is filled. CoBank reserves the right to adjust compensation for all positions and to modify or discontinue benefits programs at any time in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law.