Hay & Forage Operations Lead

Ilsbeef; Great Bend (KS); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Professional development and career增长

Job summary

ILS Farms in Great Bend, Kansas, is seeking a skilled Forage Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of forage production, land prep, harvesting, inventory, and staff management. Responsibilities include coordinating planting and harvest schedules, equipment operation, and ensuring quality control across alfalfa and other forage crops.

The ideal candidate will have extensive hay-production experience, field supervision, and strong mechanical skills, with the ability to work extended hours

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial farming or hay-production experience.
• Farm management or crew supervision experience.
• Experience growing and harvesting alfalfa, grass hay, or similar crops.
• Ability to operate tractors, balers, rakes, loaders, and related equipment.
• Basic mechanical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work flexible and extended hours during harvest.
• Valid driver's license.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage production of alfalfa, teff grass, millet, and other forage crops.
• Coordinate planting, pesticide application, fertilizer application, irrigation, and harvest schedules with the Agronomy Manager.
• Oversee swathing, raking, baling, hauling, stacking, and storage.
• Utilize technologies to maximize performance and productivity.
• Maintain hay inventory and production records; assist with hay sampling and forage-quality testing.
• Operate and oversee tractors, swathers, rakes, balers, loaders, and related equipment.
• Perform daily inspections, routine maintenance, adjustments, and basic repairs.
• Supervise farm employees and seasonal hay crews; assign daily work and train staff.

Skills

Farming experience

Crew supervision

Hay production

Equipment operation

Mechanical skills

Flexible hours

Driver's license

Tools

Tractor operation

Baler operation

Equipment maintenance

Job description

ILS Farms in Great Bend, Kansas, is seeking a skilled Forage Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of forage production, land prep, harvesting, inventory, and staff management. Responsibilities include coordinating planting and harvest schedules, equipment operation, and ensuring quality control across alfalfa and other forage crops.

The ideal candidate will have extensive hay-production experience, field supervision, and strong mechanical skills, with the ability to work extended hours