AGRIBUSINESS CONSULTANT - LIVESTOCK CONSULTANT - 67370

Executive Service

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/department/business-development-division/team.html

Who we are and what we do:

The Business Development Division works with Tennessee producers and agricultural/forestry businesses to build rural economies and increase farm and forest derived income. Development activities provide diverse growth opportunities, including industry and producer-focused incentives, as well as promotions that reach consumers and the non-farming public through a variety of methods.

How you make a difference in this role:

The Business Development Team works to attract new industry partners, as well as the expansion of existing agricultural and forestry businesses. To facilitate this growth, our team partners with agencies ranging from local governments and regional retail chains to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, USDA Rural Development, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, UT/TSU Extension, and national and international trade associations like the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA), U.S. Livestock Genetics Exports (USLGE) and Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

Key Responsibilities:

• Increase rural economic activity in the livestock industry consistent with department's strategic goals and in keeping with the Governor's Rural Initiative which focuses on Tennessee's distressed and at-risk counties.
• Assist farmers in developing best on-farm business practices through personal contact, networking opportunities, and other other agency connections such as UTIA and CPA.
• Place emphasis on distressed counties by encouraging growth and expansion in the livestock sector by providing data to new and existing businesses, assisting with business plans for new and existing businesses, and encouraging participation in Agricultural Enterprise Fund, Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, Forestry, Agriculture and Rural Markets Grant as well as other funding programs.
• Serve as a contact for industry group engagement and opinion leaders. Employee will engage and assist the Tennessee Cattleman's Association, Tennessee Beef Industry Council, and others as requested.
• Share with perspective businesses interested in opening or expanding their current operations the benefits of participating in the Pick Tennessee Products program.
• Conduct industry visits to discuss new opportunities, gather feedback on any issues the operation may be facing that hinders growth, and learn about any challenges such as funding availability, regulatory restrictions, expansion locations, or workforce readiness.
• Partner with existing agricultural associations to connect livestock producers to other agricultural commodity associations.
• Possess an awareness and understanding of local, state, and federal government processes and procedures, and demonstrate the ability to diplomatically advise and/or resolve governmental affairs issues.
• Maintain a focus on adhering to the biosecurity standards established by the State Veterinarian's Office, while educating & encouraging producers to implement/enforce biosecurity practices in/on the producer's operation.
• Communicate regularly with the State Veterinarian's Office.
• Document work related activities on a weekly basis to the Assistant Commissioner for Business Development

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates should possess a bachelor's degree preferably in agribusiness, business administration, animal science or marketing. Qualified candidates should also possess experience in agribusiness development. Experience in rural economic development preferred. Graduate degrees in any of these areas listed above or similar are desired, but not required.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.