Dairy Economics Specialist

As employees of a farmer-owned cooperative, we come to work every day trying to honor the tireless effort and care these farming families put in every day, all day, 365 days a year. Our farmer-owners tend to think in generations, with some of our farms being run by the same families for over a century. We carry this approach into our business, knowing that each and every one of us makes a difference in allowing these generational traditions to continue, taking pride in knowing that we nourish our friends, neighbors, nation, and even the world with healthy and delicious dairy products. Our products include milk, flavored milk, yogurt, dip, sour cream, cottage cheese, and ice cream mix marketed under the Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk® brands. Job Overview: As a Dairy Economics Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in forecasting, trend analysis, and communication of findings within the dynamic landscape of the dairy industry. This position involves collecting, analyzing, and developing a keen understanding of dairy market fundamentals. We are seeking a candidate who exhibits curiosity and desire to learn. Operating in an exciting and evolving environment, you will be responsible for multiple projects.
Responsibilities:
Market Forecasting and Analysis:
Monitor key market and economic developments and policy changes Develop models to forecast milk prices, impact of policy changes, and milk production Conduct data analysis on dairy market fundamentals. Regularly update and refine forecasting models based on emerging trends and market shifts. Develop statistical model to forecast member milk production
Regulatory Language Understanding:
Develop an ability to interpret complex regulatory language related to the dairy industry and policies:
Federal Milk Marketing Orders State-Mandated Milk Marketing Orders and/or Regulatory Bodies
Stay informed about changes in regulations that may impact the industry and incorporate regulatory insights into analyses.
Policy Analysis:
Analyze and assess the impact of regulatory policies on the dairy markets and our dairy farm owners. Provide insights and recommendations on policy-related opportunities and challenges. Collaborate with policy advocacy teams to align strategies with market dynamics.
Communication of Findings:
Prepare reports, presentations, and other written communications summarizing market analyses, trends, and forecasts to share with stakeholders Effectively communicate data-driven insights to various stakeholders, including internal and external parties as well as our farmer-owners through a variety of communication methods Provide actionable recommendations based on analytical findings. Represent Upstate Niagara when called upon at industry events, regulatory proceedings, and various committees
Collaboration:
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and product development, to align strategies with market insights. Work closely with external partners, industry experts, and data providers to enhance market analysis capabilities. Create visually compelling and insightful presentations using PowerPoint to effectively communicate findings to stakeholders.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics, Policy Analysis, Statistics, or Agribusiness related field; Master's is preferred Interest or experience in market analysis, policy analysis, and data interpretation, preferably in the dairy or the agricultural industry. Strong proficiency in statistical analysis tools, data visualization tools, Excel, and PowerPoint. Ability to use PowerBi a positive. Strong organizational skills with the capability to juggle multiple projects. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and understandable manner. Ability to understand, interpret and draw insights from complex regulatory language. Adapt to the evolving needs of the organization, taking on additional projects as assigned. Potential for travel up to 40% of the time.
Pay: $58,600 - $76,200 USD a year* *The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position's minimum qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays. Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.