Professor of Practice - Farm Finance and Analysis

The Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Auburn University is seeking applications for the position of Professor of Practice - Farm Finance and Management. This faculty position is a full-time, twelve-month, non-tenure track research appointment renewable annually contingent upon satisfactory performance, position need and funding.  Full-time positions are eligible for benefits, including health insurance. The projected start date is October 1, 2026.  

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and leading a statewide farm financial analysis and research program in Alabama. This research empowers the farm workforce with financial management skills, applied accounting knowledge, and decision-making tools needed to operate resilient, profitable, and data-driven agricultural operations that support rural communities in Alabama. The impacts of this program include:

1. To give Alabama farmers a better understanding of where they fall in the distribution of profitability among similar farms through benchmarks set by data from Alabama farms.
2. To gather cost of production data on Alabama farms that can be used to support farm policy making at the state and federal levels.
3. To provide data for farm management research that will benefit Alabama farmers with guidance and additional knowledge on financial efficiency and production.

The following outlines a sample list of activities for a calendar year of farm analysis and research by the candidate:

1. Education on record keeping to create balance sheets and cash flow analysis
2. Commodity marketing discussions and planning
3. Recording crop acres and yields/livestock inventory and production
4. Submission of year-end financial records to database for analysis and benchmarking
5. Goal setting for the coming year
6. Generating reports on financial benchmarks and research on farm management

Responsibilities of the candidate will include recruiting farmers for the program to learn about financial analysis and collect farm financial data for further research and benchmarking. Additionally, the candidate will work with state stakeholders to encourage farmer participation in the program, and work to secure extramural funding to support the analysis, benchmarking, and research program. Frequent travel across the state is required for this position, therefore a valid Alabama Driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record is required.  Office location of this position will be determined based on candidate selected.

Responsibilities also include teaching one undergraduate/graduate course in Farm Management each spring semester. This teaching assignment will tie together work done in the state with farmers and other aspects of farm management informed by the other responsibilities of this position.

Minimum qualifications are an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related discipline by the expected position start date. Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience working with farmers on farm management issues including, but not limited to: financial analysis, marketing, recordkeeping, and related decision-making for the farm. Teaching experience of farm management topics is desired. The candidate must possess excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills. The incumbent must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment.  

Applicants must apply for the position by attaching the following:

1) a cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to all position responsibilities

2) current curriculum vita

3) copies of ALL academic transcripts

4) Three professional references with contact information

Only complete applications will be considered.  To ensure consideration for the position, applicants must apply by end of business on August 20, 2026.  Position may remain open until position is filled.  Questions concerning the position should be directed to: Dr. Wendiam Sawadgo, Search committee chair, email: wendiam@auburn.edu

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.