Pig Extension Officer at Farmers Choice Limited

JOB PURPOSE

• The Pig Extension Officer will secure a reliable, cost efficient and quality compliant supply of pigs by managing farmers relationships and optimizing farm productivity through implementing performance improvement programs across our suppliers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Farmer performance management

• Track farmer KPIs - Born alive, mortality rates, Average Daily Gains, age to slaughter, slaughter weights compliant, disease challenges, drug residues.
• Segment farmers into top, medium and poor performing and implement targeted interventions.
• Conduct regular farm audits, performance farm reviews and share reports.

Data analytics and reporting - use the data to:

• Build a farmer performance dashboard.
• Share pig projections (minimum 6 months). Predict supply gaps.
• Identify productivity bottlenecks.
• Provide weekly and monthly reports on supply vs plan. Monitor cost trends.
• Track and report farmer performance metrics.
• 3 Farmer development and extension services
• Design and roll out capacity building on nutrition and feed optimization, biosecurity protocols, breeding and genetics improvement, housing and animal welfare standards.
• Provide technical farmer advisory.
• Conduct farmhaid capacity building programs.

Contract farming and relationship management

• Manage contract farmers.
• Build long term partnerships with suppliers.
• Resolve farmer grievances and ensure high farmer engagement levels.

Compliance and sustainability

• Ensure farmers comply with Farmer's Choice standards pertaining to treatments, disease control, feeding and housing, waste management and animal welfare.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Data driven and results oriented.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong farmer relationships.
• Planning, organization and multi-tasking skills.
• Passion for sustainable livestock production and farmer development.
• High attention to detail.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Veterinary Science or a related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in pig production, farmer extension, or livestock value chain development.
• Strong knowledge of pig production systems, nutrition, biosecurity and animal welfare.
• Excellent data analysis, reporting and project management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in farmer engagement, training and capacity building.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and data management tools.
• Ability to work in regional locations and conduct regular farm visits.