Objective
The Grain Originator is responsible for building and maintaining direct relationships with producers in CFE's trade territory to originate corn, soybeans, and wheat. This role is the primary point of contact between CFE and the farmer customer for bids, contracts, and day-to-day grain marketing decisions. Consus Ag Consulting, LLC, will be training and overseeing this position. The Grain Originator will report to the CFO.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in agribusiness, ag economics, or related field preferred
- Prior experience in agriculture, grain, or a customer-facing sales role preferred but not required
- Working knowledge of grain markets, basis, and futures preferred; training provided
- Proficiency with standard office software; ability to learn grain accounting and contract systems
- Valid driver's license
Skills:
- Strong verbal communication; able to hold a productive conversation with producers in person and by phone
- Ability to read market commentary and explain it in plain language
- Composure under pressure in a fast-moving market environment
- Willingness to acknowledge when an answer is unknown and follow up rather than speculate
- Friendly demeanor balanced with the firmness to hold contract terms and pricing conversations
- Attention to detail and accuracy in contract writing and recordkeeping
Responsibilities:
- Originate grain from producers through phone calls, farm visits, and ongoing relationship building
- Make daily outbound calls to existing and prospective producer customers, including cold calls to introduce CFE to new accounts
- Communicate daily bids, basis, and contract options to producers in clear, practical terms
- Translate market commentary and merchandiser guidance into actionable information for farmer customers
- Negotiate and write grain contracts; ensure accurate execution through delivery and settlement
- Maintain detailed records of producer conversations, commitments, and follow-up items
- Coordinate with the merchandising team, operations and accounting on contracts, deliveries, and settlements
- Develop and maintain a producer database; grow CFE's book of business in the assigned territory
- Assist with elevator operations during harvest and peak periods as needed
- Other duties as assigned with quick growth in merchandising and position maintenance as experience is gained
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
- Exposure to dust, pollen, uneven terrain, and active farm equipment.
- Seasonal demands may require extended or irregular hours during harvest periods.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
