Agronomy & Fodder Officer - Kapiti Plains Estate Limited

Key Responsibilities

Crop & Fodder Production Management:

• Develop crop (Napier, Rhodes, sorghum, maize silage, etc.) management strategies, schedules, budgets, and timelines aligned with feed demand.
  
• Develop improved crop production methods and techniques during planting, cultivation, and harvesting with the aim of improving crop yield and solving problems.
  
• Optimise yield per acre and forage quality through data-driven practices.
  
• Supervise field labour and maintain field input/output records.
  

Research & Soil Management:

• Research and promote agricultural strategies to counter the effects of changes in soil, climate, weather, and damage from pests.
  
• Visit farms to collect seed, plant, and soil samples for examination and research.
  
• Test samples for nutritional deficiencies, diseases, or other changes due to adopted farm practices.
  
• Source, select, and test seeds and seedlings.
  
• Develop new varieties of crops and hybrids that are more resistant to disease and pests.
  

Record Keeping & Reporting:

• Keep detailed records regarding farms, crops, and samples.
  
• Generate reports and present findings to management, clients, or other interested parties.
  

Training & Extension Support:

• Advise farmers on the most effective and economical ways to maximize crop yields.
  
• Develop educational materials and training programmes on crop management.
  
• Conduct training on products and techniques through educational presentations and practical demonstrations.
  

Collaboration & Integration:

• Liaise with the livestock team to ensure feed availability matches herd needs.
  
• Support research teams in implementing trials involving fodder and crop systems.
  

Administrative Duties:

• Carry out other duties as may be assigned by the Senior Manager/Head — Kapiti.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Soil Science, or a related field.
  
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in fodder crop management.
  
• Experience with silage, hay, and irrigated forage systems.
  
• Familiarity with integrated livestock-plant systems.
  
• Knowledge of agricultural production methods and soil science.
  

Technical Competencies

• Ability to analyse data and provide sound advice.
  
• Proficiency with computers, especially MS Office and diagnostic scientific software.
  
• Strong research, decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  
• Awareness of industry trends, technology, and developments.
  

Leadership & Management Competencies

• Ability to supervise field labour and coordinate field activities.
  
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise, and schedule work.
  
• Effective collaboration skills for working with livestock teams, researchers, and management.
  

Key Attributes

• Exceptional active listening and verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Ability to work on farms while standing, walking, kneeling, and stooping for extended periods.
  
• Results-oriented and committed to sustainable land management and continuous improvement.