Company description

Stone House Farm is a diversified, for-profit regenerative organic farm based in the Hudson Valley, New York. The farm operates on approximately 2,000 acres and is engaged in a diversified set of farming activities, some of which play an important role in the local organic food supply chain.

In addition to producing grain and forage, the business operates a feed mill that serves farms in the surrounding area. We are also a research partner of Hudson Carbon (www.hudsoncarbon.com), a project that has been validating the carbon sequestration levels and other ecosystem services generated by the regenerative organic farming practices used on the farm.

Most recently, to advance our vision for a holistic regenerative enterprise, we have established an organic 100% grass-fed dairy unit and composting program.

Job description

Stone House Grain is currently seeking a Farm General Manager, who has a passion for regenerative organic farming and being part of a local agricultural economy, to manage the operations of the farm. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors and will work closely with the farm’s Senior Advisor.

Responsibilities (including, but not limited to, the following):

1. Implement annual operating plan within budget targets and to meet Key Performance Indicators.
2. Manage the 3 direct reports: Commercial Manager, Field Coordinator, and Dairy Manager.
3. Evaluate existing operations, staff, financial documents and recommend improvements.
4. Provide input to the 5-year strategic planning process.
5. Manage team and operations such that activities occur on-time and within budget, directly participating in those activities, as necessary.
6. Ensure that units gather accurate data (planting data, harvest data, fertility records, soil analyses, dairy production data, etc.) and interpret appropriately to adjust operations plans.
7. Coordinate purchases for inputs with the Commercial Manager and in line with the approved budget.
8. Communicate harvests that are available for sale to the Commercial Manager so that products can be effectively sold.
9. Coordinate equipment & facilities repairs & maintenance.
10. Collaborate with senior staff to prepare budgets and financial/operations reports.
11. Continually develop new farming techniques, strategies, and rotations based upon new learning and direct observations on the ground.
12. Coordinate with Hudson Carbon to provide detailed farm records, implement field trials and experiments as well as track other ecosystem services (wildlife, water quality, nutrient retention).
13. Ensure all staff adhere to health and safety regulations.

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

• 5-7+ years’ experience managing a farm preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of and dedication to the principals of regenerative organic agriculture.
• Good understanding of agricultural finance, budgeting, and inventory management.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to make decisions in stressful environments.
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work overtime, as required, and on a self-motivated basis.
• Understanding of and experience operating modern farm equipment.
• Understanding of soils, crop rotations, organic grain and hay production and their storage.

Additional Qualifications “a plus” but not necessary:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Environmental Studies, Agroecology or equivalent.
• Experience with grass-fed dairy operations, feeding strategies, and dairy markets.
• Experience with certification procedures: organic, grass-fed, biodynamic.

Annual salary is commensurate with experience. We offer a generous benefits package including health insurance, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and paid time off. On-site housing is available.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $80,000.00 - $100,000.00

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline