Farm Manager Trainee

The Farm Management Trainee will participate in a comprehensive 2-year program designed to develop expertise in potato crop production, farm operations, and business management. The trainee will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of potato farming, culminating in semi-independent management of a 500-acre farm from February to July each year. This role is ideal for an enthusiastic, intelligent, and principled individual eager to grow within a leading agricultural company while upholding Lennard Ag’s commitment to quality and innovation. You will be based in Howe, IN with 40% travel to other locations with primary travel to Tarboro, NC (Feb - Jul).

Lennard Ag Company is a family-owned, three generations deep farming operation that’s been producing and delivering quality vegetables and grain crops since 1947. Specializing in potatoes, tomatoes, seed corn, and commercial corn, we grow over 14,000 acres in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina, and North Carolina. We combine strong industry traditions with cutting-edge agricultural practices, advanced technology, and the latest management practices.

We offer compensation that is highly dependent on your background and experience. Benefits include health & dental insurance, paid time off, disability benefits, 401k, and life insurance. This position does have peak hours during plant and harvest including long hours and weekends but sticks to a 40-45 hour work week during the winter months.

Key Responsibilities:

Crop Production and Operations (February-July, Semi-Independent Management):

• Oversee planting, irrigation (pivot systems), harvesting, and maintenance activities on a 500-acre potato farm, ensuring adherence to Lennard Ag’s rigorous quality standards and Global G.A.P. best practices.
• Maintain existing systems and processes to achieve consistent crop quality and yield, utilizing precision agriculture techniques.
• Operate and maintain pivot irrigation systems to optimize water use and crop health.

Staff Supervision:

• Manage a team of seasonal laborers during the February-July period, providing direction, training, and support to ensure efficient and safe operations.
• Foster a collaborative and productive work environment, aligning with Lennard Ag’s values of accountability and communication.

Business Management:

• Collaborate with the Regional Operations Manager to monitor operational performance, track production data, and ensure alignment with company goals.
• Gain exposure to budgeting, logistics, and quality control systems, contributing to real-time reporting and decision-making.

Training and Development:

• Participate in on-the-job training (OJT) to learn potato farming techniques, pivot irrigation systems, and farm management practices.
• Engage in daily communication with the Regional Operations Manager for guidance, feedback, and mentorship to support professional growth.

Travel and Multistate Operations:

• Travel approximately 40% of the time to support operations across Lennard Ag’s multistate locations (e.g., Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina) as needed to support training and operational goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm, intellect, and integrity, with a passion for learning and contributing to a high-performing team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to manage seasonal laborers and collaborate with the Regional Operations Manager and Farm Managers.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions while managing a 500-acre farm under guidance.
• Comfortable with physical demands of farm work, including outdoor fieldwork in varying weather conditions and hands-on equipment operation
• Willingness to travel 40% of the time across Lennard Ag’s multistate operations.
• No prior experience required, though familiarity with agricultural practices or pivot irrigation systems is a plus.

Work Environment:

• The role involves significant fieldwork, requiring physical stamina to perform tasks such as operating equipment, scouting, and overseeing labor-intensive activities.
• The trainee will work in outdoor environments, subject to seasonal weather conditions, and must be prepared for hands-on, labor-intensive tasks.
• Daily communication with the Regional Operations Manager ensures ongoing support and alignment with company objectives.