Dairy Forage & Feed Systems Expert

The target location for this role is Land O'Lakes Corporate Headquarters in Arden Hills, MN, however this position can be remote (virtual) and located anywhere in the USA.

Job Summary:

This position supports the development and implementation of Truterra's Dairy Sustainability Platform (Platform) including Scope 3 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) greenhouse gas (GHG) quantification process (Scope 3 Process) with emphasis on supporting Truterra's On-farm LCA GHG Tool (On-farm Tool). The On-farm Tool includes the following dairy farm footprints: enteric, feed, manure, and energy. Responsibilities include the day-to-day development, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Feed Print in terms of on-farm feed production. The position plays key roles in the successful launch, uptake, and continued utilization of the On-farm Tool through training of technical service providers.

This work requires a systems approach, therefore, the position requires collaboration with team members working on enteric, manure, and energy prints as well as purchased feed systems. The immediate need is the development of the Feed Print minimum viable product and support continuous improvement thereafter.

The work will be conducted in accordance with LCA procedures to quantify the GHG footprint of home-grown dairy cattle feeds (e.g., corn silage, alfalfa silage, haylage, alfalfa hay, dry hay) produced within the various dairy crop rotation systems used across the US and Canada.

This position provides a tremendous growth opportunity, and associated impact, for the individual with career-goal orientation aligned with the dairy industry environmental opportunities and challenges/needs. Ability to work effectively independently and in group settings, accomplishment-oriented, system thinking, demonstrated passion, and best for the farmer mindset are critical for the position success.

Responsibilities:

Determine best methods to quantify GHG emissions (nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide) associated with producing home-grown dairy feeds (e.g., corn silage, alfalfa silage, haylage, alfalfa hay, dry hay) at the individual farms based on various levels and quality of data available. Interact with the Dairy Soil Carbon Program development team. Identify available data to populate the On-farm Tool and how to use and include data when the farm is participating in a Dairy Soil Carbon Program. Develop and implement methods to determine reasonableness of on-farm data. Provide technical support to On-farm Tool Trained Service Providers.

Minimum Experience/Knowledge:

• Dairy Science, Animal Science, Animal Nutrition or closely related field MS level degree or equivalent experience
  
  


• 5-7 years of progressive applied/professional experience.
  
  


• Well-rounded practical dairy farm experience
  
  


• In-depth dairy crop production rotation expertise (e.g., soil preparation, planting, crop protection and harvest, manure and commercial fertilizer nutrients, manure application methods and their impacts on soil, nutrients, and yields, cropland irrigation, and water quality protection) required with environmental (air, water, climate) impacts aspects thereof.
  
  


• Identifying, reviewing, evaluating, and synthesizing applicable published literature and other relevant credible information.
  
  


• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
  
  

Preferred Experience/Knowledge:

• Developing and delivering educational materials/programs targeted at farmers/lay audiences
  
  


• Applied (on-farm) research
  
  


• In-depth understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation methods available to dairy farmers especially in feed production practices
  
  


• Understanding of the major GHG quantification protocols and experience with Life Cycle Assessments and GHG foot printing
  
  

The salary range for this role is $102,480 - $153,720

As a full time employee, you will receive a wide range of benefits for you and your dependents:

• 3 medical plan choices including HSA plan options
  
  


• Vision & dental plan
  
  


• Company paid Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability, parental leave, caregiver leave and emergency leave
  
  


• 401(k) plan with company match and additional automatic contribution regardless of participation
  
  


• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and Employee Assistance Program
  
  


• Wellness program focused on Physical, Financial and Emotional Health with opportunity for cash incentives
  
  

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.