Specialty Grain Origination & Merchandiser

Millborn Seeds Inc; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Millborn Seeds Inc. seeks an entrepreneurial, relationship-driven Specialty Grain Origination & Merchandiser to expand our network of specialty grain growers and strengthen sourcing and merchandising across North America.

The role focuses on building a diverse grower network and connecting production with customer demand while maintaining a commercial, ownership mindset at all times.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business, Agriculture, or related field.
• Experience in agricultural merchandising, grain origination, commodity procurement, or related field.
• Ability to build and maintain strong business relationships.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel extensively flexible to region coverage.

Responsibilities

• Grower origination and relationship development across North America.
• Develop merchandising strategies connecting grower supply with customer demand.
• Identify opportunities to create value through sourcing, logistics, market development, and supply chain coordination.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align grower production with market requirements.
• Negotiate purchase agreements and production contracts; assist in commercial arrangements.

Skills

Relationship building

Negotiation

Communication

Organizational skills

Self-starter

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness/Business/Related field

Job description

Description

WHO WE ARE

As a leading seed, specialty grain, and ingredients supplier, Millborn offers a vertically integrated supply chain, a robust product lineup, and an unmatched support team. In addition to serving customers’ seed needs, Millborn is actively engaged in buying, processing, and selling specialty grains and value-added agricultural ingredients. Our expertise across seed, grain, processing, merchandising, and market development enables us to positively impact the land, support growers, and create dependable supply solutions for customers today and for generations to come. Since 1987, Millborn has been committed to being a trusted single source for agricultural products and supply chain solutions, proudly serving customers throughout North America.

Team Millborn consists of individuals dedicated to doing the right thing, without exception. We are authentic, genuine, and continually strive for excellence in everything we do.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Millborn Seeds is seeking an entrepreneurial, relationship-driven Specialty Grain Origination & Merchandiser to expand our network of specialty grain growers and strengthen our sourcing and merchandising capabilities across North America.

The primary responsibility of this role is to build and maintain trusted relationships with specialty crop producers while increasing Millborn's visibility into what growers are producing today and what they plan to produce in the future. This individual will develop a geographically diverse network of growers, identify opportunities throughout the supply chain, and connect grower production with customer demand.

The ideal candidate is naturally curious, highly motivated, commercially minded, and energized by building relationships. They are equally comfortable walking a grower’s field, discussing production plans, solving supply chain challenges, and identifying new market opportunities. At the same time, they bring a sharp commercial mindset, using relationships not only to stay connected, but to create opportunities, negotiate effectively, and drive profitable growth for Millborn.

Most importantly, they have an ownership mentality and are driven to build something bigger than themselves.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Grower Origination & Relationship Development

• Build and maintain a geographically diverse network of specialty grain and specialty crop growers throughout the High Plains, Upper Midwest, and other strategic production regions.
• Establish trusted relationships with growers, producers, seed growers, elevators, processors, and agricultural partners.
• Increase Millborn's visibility into available and potential specialty grain production opportunities.
• Identify and secure new grower relationships that support long-term business growth.
• Travel within key production regions to strengthen existing relationships and develop new partnerships.
• Represent Millborn with professionalism, integrity, and a long-term relationship mindset.

Supply Chain Development & Merchandising

• Originate specialty grain, pulse, oilseed, and related agricultural commodity opportunities.
• Develop merchandising strategies that connect grower supply with customer demand.
• Identify opportunities to create value through sourcing, logistics, market development, and supply chain coordination.
• Work closely with internal teams to align grower production with current and future market requirements.
• Assist in negotiating purchase agreements, production contracts, and commercial arrangements.
• Support the execution of supply programs and strategic sourcing initiatives.

Market Development

• Identify new markets, customers, and channels for specialty grain and agricultural products.
• Build relationships with processors, grain buyers, ingredient users, exporters, and other end users.
• Collaborate with sales and leadership teams to develop and expand market opportunities.
• Help position Millborn as a preferred supplier within specialty grain markets.
• Identify emerging crops, products, and market opportunities that align with company objectives.

Market Intelligence

• Monitor industry trends, acreage shifts, production trends, weather events, market conditions, and supply chain developments.
• Gather intelligence directly from growers and industry contacts.
• Share market insights and recommendations that help drive business decisions.
• Develop expertise within Millborn's specialty grain, specialty crop, and agricultural commodity markets.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve sourcing strategies, supply chain efficiency, and business profitability.

OTHER INFORMATION

Characteristics of Success

• Relationship Builder: You earn trust quickly and develop strong, long‑term relationships that create value for growers and Millborn alike.
• Entrepreneurial: You don't wait for opportunities to come to you. You actively seek them out and take ownership of turning them into results.
• Curious: You ask questions, challenge assumptions, and continuously look for ways to improve, learn, and grow.
• Commercially Minded: You understand what drives value and are constantly looking for opportunities to create it.
• Self‑Starter: You require minimal direction and consistently identify what needs to be done next.
• Scrappy: You are resourceful, resilient, and willing to do what it takes to move the business forward.
• Competitive: You enjoy winning, embrace challenges, and are motivated by achieving meaningful results.
• Accountable: You take responsibility for outcomes and consistently follow through on commitments.

What Success Looks Like

• Growth of Millborn's specialty grain grower network.
• Increased geographic diversity of grower relationships.
• Improved visibility into specialty grain production and future acres.
• Development of new sourcing opportunities and supply chains.
• Expansion of specialty grain volumes available to Millborn.
• Growth of profitable merchandising opportunities.
• Development of new market channels and customer relationships.
• Reputation as a trusted partner among growers and industry participants.

Requirements

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business, Agriculture, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience in agricultural merchandising, grain origination, commodity procurement, agricultural sales, seed production, grain buying, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong business relationships.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and proactively identify opportunities.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout agricultural production regions.

Preferred:

• Existing network of growers and agricultural contacts throughout the High Plains and Upper Midwest
• Experience working with specialty grains, small grains, pulses, oilseeds, forage crops, seed production systems, or related agricultural commodities.
• Knowledge of grain merchandising, logistics, transportation, and agricultural supply chains.
• Experience developing new business opportunities and managing commercial relationships.