Agricultural Economist - Market Analysis

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Economist for a hybrid role in Upington. You will analyze market trends, assess farm viability, and provide strategic insights to guide investments and policy in the agricultural sector. The position requires a Master’s or Ph.D.

in Agricultural Economics (or related field), 5+ years’ experience, and strong econometric skills with Stata, R, or EViews. You will build models, forecast costs, and deliver client-ready reports.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural economics, market analysis, or financial modeling within the agricultural sector.
• Strong quantitative and econometric skills; proficiency in statistical software (Stata, R, EViews).

Responsibilities

• Analyze agricultural market data: price trends, supply/demand dynamics, and trade patterns.
• Conduct economic feasibility studies for new agricultural projects and investments.
• Develop economic models to forecast crop yields, production costs, and market prices.
• Assess the impact of government policies, regulations, and subsidies on the agricultural sector.
• Evaluate the financial performance of farms and agribusinesses, identifying areas for improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive economic reports, presentations, and policy briefs for clients and stakeholders.
• Advise clients on risk management strategies, including hedging and insurance.
• Research and analyze agricultural supply chains and value chains.
• Collaborate with agronomists, researchers, and industry professionals to gather data and insights.
• Stay current with economic theories, econometric techniques, and developments in agricultural markets.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Analytical ability

Report writing

Presentation skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Agricultural Economics or related field

Tools

Stata

R

EViews

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research and development firm in Upington, is seeking an accomplished Agricultural Economist to analyze market trends, assess economic viability of farming operations, and provide strategic insights. This role is vital for informing investment decisions, policy development, and operational strategies within the agricultural sector. The Agricultural Economist will conduct in-depth research on commodity markets, supply chains, production costs, and economic factors influencing agricultural enterprises. This is a hybrid position, requiring significant time for data analysis, modeling, and report writing, with regular opportunities for on-site engagement with farms, industry stakeholders, and the research team. You will play a key role in identifying opportunities for growth and efficiency, contributing to the economic resilience of agriculture in the Northern Cape region. The ideal candidate possesses strong quantitative skills, a deep understanding of agricultural economics, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable business intelligence.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze agricultural market data, including price trends, supply and demand dynamics, and international trade patterns.
• Conduct economic feasibility studies for new agricultural projects and investments.
• Develop economic models to forecast crop yields, production costs, and market prices.
• Assess the impact of government policies, regulations, and subsidies on the agricultural sector.
• Evaluate the financial performance of farms and agribusinesses, identifying areas for improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive economic reports, presentations, and policy briefs for clients and stakeholders.
• Advise clients on risk management strategies, including hedging and insurance.
• Research and analyze agricultural supply chains and value chains.
• Collaborate with agronomists, researchers, and industry professionals to gather data and insights.
• Stay current with economic theories, econometric techniques, and developments in agricultural markets.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural economics, market analysis, or financial modeling within the agricultural sector.
• Strong quantitative and econometric skills, with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, EViews).
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural markets, supply chains, and policy issues.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment.
• Familiarity with farm management practices is a plus.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be willing to undertake occasional site visits.
• Passion for applying economic principles to agricultural challenges.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package for this hybrid role.
• Benefits include health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending economic conferences and specialized training, are available.
• You will work with a team of experts and have access to advanced data analysis tools and resources.
• Our client is dedicated to fostering economic growth and sustainability within the agricultural industry, providing a challenging and rewarding career opportunity.
• Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid role, balancing analytical work with practical industry engagement.