Agricultural Research Analyst

Executive Placements; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agriculture firm in Stellenbosch seeks an Agricultural Research Analyst to support trading decisions through data analysis and market insights. The ideal candidate should possess strong agricultural economics knowledge and hands-on experience in weather and crop analysis. Responsibilities include conducting crop tours, analyzing weather data, and preparing reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years' relevant experience in agricultural market or weather analysis.
• Proven experience in weather impact assessment and crop performance.

Responsibilities

• Analyse weather patterns and crop health indicators.
• Maintain and update research spreadsheets and databases.
• Plan and execute crop tours across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
• Conduct research on weather systems and report to trading team.
• Prepare presentations on market conditions and crop forecasts.

Skills

Analytical skills

Knowledge of agricultural economics

Weather analysis capability

Crop performance assessment

Education

Degree in Agricultural Economics or related field

Job description

Our client, a leader in the grain and oilseeds trading environment, is looking for a driven and analytical role.

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.