Agricultural Research Analyst

Frank Consult; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in agricultural trading in South Africa is seeking a driven Agricultural Research Analyst. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, have 2–3 years of experience in agricultural market analysis, and be proficient in both Afrikaans and English. The role requires analyzing weather data, conducting crop tours, and reporting insights to support trading decisions.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years’ relevant experience in agricultural market or weather analysis.
• Proven experience in weather impact assessment and crop performance interpretation.
• Hands‑on crop tour experience.
• Strong understanding of grain and oilseed markets.

Responsibilities

• Analyse weather patterns and crop health indicators.
• Maintain and update research spreadsheets and databases.
• Conduct research on upcoming weather systems.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on weather trends.
• Support acreage and production estimates through crop growth models.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Coding proficiency (Python)

Fluent in Afrikaans

Fluent in English

Technical and statistical analysis skills

GIS capability

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree in Agricultural Economics or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Our client, a leader in the grain and oilseeds trading environment, is looking for a driven and analytical Agricultural Research Analyst to join their research and trading support team. This role requires strong agricultural economics knowledge, weather and crop-analysis capability, and hands‑on experience conducting crop tours and interpreting field data.

You will play a key role in supporting trading decisions through data analysis, weather modelling, market insights, and structured reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse weather patterns, soil moisture, rainfall, temperature data, and crop health indicators (VHI, NDVI).
• Maintain and update research spreadsheets and databases (producer deliveries, weather DB, poultry industry data, planting/harvest progress, etc).
• Plan and execute crop tours across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
• Update supply and demand models as the season progresses.
• Conduct research on upcoming weather systems and seasonal events and report to the trading team.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on weather trends, market conditions, and crop forecasts.
• Compare and interpret weather models (ECM vs GFS).
• Build detailed production and demand estimates for South Africa and Sub‑Saharan Africa.
• Present analysis to key clients and trading stakeholders via reports and presentations.
• Support acreage and production estimates for major crops through crop growth models and field observations.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Agricultural Economics or related field.
• 2–3 years’ relevant experience in agricultural market or weather analysis.
• Proven experience in weather impact assessment and crop performance interpretation.
• Hands‑on crop tour experience.
• Strong understanding of grain and oilseed markets (advantageous).
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Coding proficiency (Python).
• Knowledge of agronomy and crop growth processes.
• GIS capability and geospatial interpretation.
• Technical and statistical analysis skills.
• Fluent in Afrikaans and English.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship‑building ability.
• Curious, analytical thinker with high attention to detail and resilience under pressure.