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Agricultural Business Field and State Specialists participating in an internal training at the Center for Soy Innovation in Jefferson City
As an Agricultural Business Field Specialist with University of Missouri Extension, you'll use your expertise to help producers and agricultural businesses make informed decisions through practical, research-based education and trusted guidance.
By working alongside your community and other partners, you'll solve problems and offer solutions that strengthen Missouri agriculture and the communities it supports.
What You'll Do
What You'll Do
If you're passionate about agriculture and helping Missouri farmers, ranchers, and ag businesses succeed, this is your opportunity!
Agricultural Business Field Specialists are trusted advisors who help Missouri producers and agricultural businesses make informed decisions that strengthen their operations, their communities, and the future of agriculture.
Ben Brown, State Specialist, discussing farm economics at the Graves-Chapelle Field Day
Educate
Educate
Deliver practical, research-based education through workshops, farm tours, decision tools, and one-on-one support that helps producers and businesses make confident business decisions
Wesley Tucker, Field Specialist, winner of the 2024 Missouri Cattlemen's Association Allied Industry Award
Collaborate
Collaborate
Work alongside producers, businesses, community organizations, and Extension colleagues to understand local needs, build partnerships, and develop solutions that strengthen Missouri agriculture
Mary Sobba, Field Specialist, addressing federal tax changes with a Summer Tax School attendee
Support Missouri
Support Missouri
Use your expertise to help farms and businesses start, scale, and adapt—supporting the people, places, and communities that make Missouri agriculture strong
A Career with Purpose
A Career with Purpose
MU Extension is more than a workplace. Being an Agricultural Business Field Specialist is a chance to use your expertise in service of others in your community.
Every workshop you teach, every producer you advise, and every partnership forged helps strengthen Missouri agriculture and the communities that depend on it.
Denice Ferguson, Field Specialist, engaging with local farmers
Purpose-Driven Work
Help producers solve real challenges while strengthening farms and communities
Ryan Milhollin, State Specialist, sharing Extension tools with lenders
Public Education
Deliver education that helps build stronger farms, businessess, and communities
Ben Brown, State Specialist, participating in Extension development
Professional Growth
Learn alongside a network of specialists and faculty while developing your expertise
Jennifer Lutes, Field Specialist, presenting at a national conference
Variety Every Day
From farm visits to workshops and consultations, no two days look exactly alike
Available Positions
Available Positions
Is Extension Right for You?
Is Extension Right for You?
Mallory Rahe, State Specialist and Education Director, and Ryan Milhollin, State Specialist, conversing with Ag Lenders School attendees
A field specialist position might be a great fit if you have experience in:
A field specialist position might be a great fit if you have experience in:
Owning or operating an agricultural business or farm
Agricultural lending
Agricultural economics or policy
Agricultural education
Agricultural sales or consulting
Government agencies, commodity organizations, and other roles that included serving the public
Economic development
Hear from Our Team
Hear from Our Team
""The sense of accomplishment one receives by helping someone meet a need or learn a new concept that makes a meaningful difference in their life is the most rewarding part of Extension."
""The sense of accomplishment one receives by helping someone meet a need or learn a new concept that makes a meaningful difference in their life is the most rewarding part of Extension."
Randy Stephens, Field Specialist in Scott County
Katie Neuner, Field Specialist in Lafayette County
FAQ
FAQ
What kind of experience do I need?
What kind of experience do I need?
We're looking for candidates with a master's degree or higher (MBA, Ph.D., etc.) in agricultural economics, agricultural business, agricultural marketing, business administration, business management, finance, urban agriculture, food systems, or a closely related field.
Experience working in agriculture or related industries, and previous teaching or educational experience, is a plus (but not required).
People say Extension provides a flexible work environment, what does that mean?
People say Extension provides a flexible work environment, what does that mean?
The people who thrive in Extension enjoy the freedom to turn good ideas into impactful programs while working alongside supportive colleagues across the state.
Extension is not a typical 8-to-5 job. Instead of having someone direct your daily activities, you'll have the freedom and responsibility to manage your own work. You'll identify needs, build relationships, create educational programs broadly within the area of farm risk management. Over time, you will develop one or more areas of expertise that align with your interests and the needs of Missouri agriculture.
That flexibility also extends to your schedule. Many educational programs occur during evenings or weekends when participants are available, so Extension faculty regularly adjust their work hours to maintain work-life balance. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys independence, takes initiative, and is motivated by creating opportunities that lead to impact rather than waiting for assignments.
How much travel is involved?
How much travel is involved?
We work where our stakeholders are and seek to meet them where they're at, so some evening, weekend, and regional travel is expected to deliver educational programs and build relationships. Travel varies throughout the year based on your educational efforts, partnerships, and community needs; there are no set travel expectations.
New field specialists typically travel to Columbia, Missouri, 3-4 times per year for team meetings, training, and professional development. Because our work follows the needs of Missouri agriculture, schedules often shift with the seasons. Many specialists find that travel is more frequent during the winter months, when producers have more capacity to participate in educational programs (November-March). However, this timing varies based on the types of farm operations in each region of the state.
What kinds of programs do specialists participate in?
What kinds of programs do specialists participate in?
We work alongside producers, agricultural businesses, and community partners to identify educational needs and develop practical, research-based solutions to address those needs. Educational programs take many forms—workshops, farm tours, field demonstrations, one-on-one consultations, short courses, decision tools, technical assistance, and online learning opportunities. We also develop short publications and tangible resources to fill information gaps for our audiences.
Our team focuses on the five areas of agricultural risk management: production, financial, price/marketing, legal, and human. Find examples of our work here: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/agricultural-business-and-policy-extension/publications
As a new Extension specialist, you'll collaborate with experienced colleagues to develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs while building your own expertise.
How can I grow my career with MU Extension?
How can I grow my career with MU Extension?
Career growth in MU Extension is built on developing expertise, building relationships, and creating educational programs that make a lasting impact. Most specialists begin by working closely with producers and partners in their assigned counties, learning local needs and delivering a broad range of educational programs.
As a specialist's knowledge and reputation grow, they may begin teaching across Missouri, collaborating on multi-state projects, securing grant funding, publishing educational resources, mentoring colleagues, and serving in state and national leadership roles. Many Extension faculty become recognized experts whose work influences producers, decision makers, and organizations well beyond their local region.
MU Extension also provides formal opportunities for professional growth through mentoring, professional development, leadership opportunities, and a promotion system that recognizes increasing scholarship, educational excellence, and statewide impact. Extension faculty advance through a three-rank promotion process from Assistant Extension Professional to Associate Extension Professional and ultimately Full Extension Professional.
What kind of benefits does MU Extension offer?
What kind of benefits does MU Extension offer?
Field specialists across the state are part of the University's benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. Visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website for details at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.
Need More Information?
Need More Information?
Want to learn more about careers with MU Extension or discuss a specific position?
Reach out to Agricultural Business and Policy Education Director Mallory Rahe (mallory.rahe@missouri.edu).
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