Farm Manager Trainee

Lennard AG Co; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Lennard Ag offers a 2-year agricultural management training program based in Howe, IN. You will develop farm leadership by overseeing a 500-acre potato operation, including planting, irrigation, and harvest, with 50–70% travel to various company locations.

Relocation is required to support multi-state operations. No prior farm management experience is required; a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related fields is preferred, with strong leadership potential and a willingness to learn.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership potential and willingness to learn.
• Clear communication and collaboration with supervisors.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn farm equipment operation.
• Ability to work independently in field environments.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured program covering crop production, operations, labor management, and business systems.
• Oversee 500-acre potato farm management from Feb–Jul, including planting, irrigation, and harvest.
• Supervise seasonal labor with training, direction, and performance oversight.
• Operate pivot irrigation systems and ensure efficient water use and crop health.
• Collaborate on budgeting, logistics, quality control, and data reporting with Regional Ops Manager.
• Maintain daily communication with supervisors for mentorship and progress reviews.
• Ensure safety, labor, and environmental regulations compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Problem solving

Communication

Mechanical aptitude

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Agribusiness/Business

Equivalent experience considered

Job description

Provides comprehensive training and hands-on experience in agricultural management, specifically in potato crop production and farm operations. This 2-year program is designed to develop future farm managers who will uphold Lennard Ag's commitment to innovation, accountability, and high-quality production across multi-state operations.

Position is based in Howe, IN.

Requires 50%-70% travel across company locations, primarily Tarboro, North Carolina. Must be willing to relocate.

Summary of Duties

• Participate in a structured program covering crop production, operations, labor management, and business systems.
• Oversee semi-independent management of a 500-acre potato farm from February-July annually, including planting, irrigation, and harvest.
• Supervise seasonal labor, providing training, direction, and performance oversight.
• Operate and maintain pivot irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water use and crop health.
• Collaborate with Regional Operations Manager on budgeting, logistics, quality control, and data reporting.
• Engage in daily communication with supervisors for mentorship, guidance, and progress reviews.
• Ensure compliance with safety, labor, and environmental regulations in all farming activities.

Work Experience Requirement

• No prior farm management experience is required.
• Familiarity with agriculture, pivot irrigation systems, or farm labor supervision is preferred.
• Program is designed for individuals with strong leadership potential and a willingness to learn.

Education Requirement

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience will be considered.

Skill Set Requirement

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to manage seasonal labor
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Effective communication skills for collaboration with supervisors and team members
• Mechanical aptitude with ability to learn farm equipment operation
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in field environments

Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred

Motivations / Interests

• Enthusiasm for agriculture
• Interest in professional growth
• Commitment to Lennard Ag's values of accountability, communication, and innovation

Physical Requirements

• Must be physically capable of performing outdoor, labor-intensive tasks
• Includes operating equipment, lifting, bending, and working extended hours during peak seasons

Environmental Factors / Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed outdoors in varied weather conditions across multiple states (IN, OH, MI, SC, NC)
• Role requires 50%-70% travel, relocation flexibility, and the ability to manage field operations.
• February-July: semi-independent management of a 500-acre potato farm, including supervision of seasonal labor

Supervision Received

Reports directly to Regional Farm Operations Manager.

Supervisory Responsibility

Responsible for supervising seasonal laborers during the February-July farm management cycle.

Quality Standards

• Expected to follow Lennard Ag's high standards for crop quality, safety compliance, and Global G.A.P. best practices.
• Assists with monitoring operational budgets, tracking production data, and ensuring alignment with financial goals under guidance from the Regional Operations Manager.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Employee may be asked to perform other duties at the company's sole discretion.