The Land Manager will be responsible for creating and maintaining relationships and accounts with landowners. They will facilitate discussions regarding financial and non-financial goals through written plans to address ownership concerns and will recommend management plans and agricultural lease terms to align with the goals of each landowner. The Land Manager will also network with agricultural advocates, researchers, and retailers to educate landowners, reduce the environmental impact of agricultural production, and encourage a conservation-focused approach to land management. The Land Manager will act as the liaison between landowners, their tenants, FSA and NRCS offices, BLM, USFS, local irrigation offices, and other agricultural organizations.

Representation and Negotiation - Act as a liaison for landowners when dealing with tenants, FSA and NRCS offices, BLM, USFS, local irrigation offices, etc. Facilitate discussions regarding financial and non-financial goals with the landowner to develop a written plan to address their ownership concerns. Advocate for the landowners’ goals in lease negotiations with their farm operator. Become a trusted resource to which landowners can turn with any and all questions to ensure the landowner feels comfortable and secure in knowing they will not be put at a disadvantage in establishing an equitable rent or management fee.

Plan Implementation - Recommend a management plan and appropriate agricultural lease to align with the goals of the landowner. Monitor and record the farm operator’s compliance with the lease terms through ongoing, open communication with the farm operator and landowner. Leverage the landowner’s capital for conservation and drainage projects through NRCS programs and farm operator contributions. Seek funding sources for the above-mentioned projects, be knowledgeable about such programs, and ensure managed accounts are aware of these opportunities should they arise.

Reports and Analysis - Analyze and store pertinent farm data obtained from the farm operator to build a robust farm history profile for each farm managed including:

a. Farm liability insurance certificate annually from farm operators

b. Liability insurance certificate from any contractor performing work on a farm

c. Fertilizers applied according to established crop removal rates

d. Reporting of all restricted use chemicals applied on the farm

e. Documentation of crop yields

f. Clearly defined hunting rights

g. Development clause to equitably compensate the farm operator if all or a portion of a farm is taken out of production for land development

Deliver informative, comprehensive reports to the landowner based on the management plan on a regular, predetermined basis.

Marketing, Networking and Advocating - Market to national and regional trust departments, attorneys, CPAs, lending institutions, and other essential referral sources. Network with leading researchers, advocates and agriculture retailers to educate landowners and potential clients, reduce the environmental impacts of agriculture production, and encourage a conservation-focused approach to land management. Continue learning and educating on relevant, hot button issues like water quality and continue to expand our knowledge of best practices to better serve the needs of our landowners. Seek public speaking opportunities to expand brand awareness of Peoples Company Land Management division and drive the message about the company’s comprehensive, conservation-minded approach to Land vs. Farm Management.

Accounting Management - Oversee the in-house client accounting process to provide accurate quarterly financial reports.

Compliance - Track and manage all compliance items on the land including but not limited to lease terms, lease terminations, mid-contract management, USDA, FSA, and other entities reporting requirements, etc. Ensure all contracts, leases, etc. are formally written documents which comply with the respective law of each state in which the farm is located and managed.

Follow-Up Prospecting - Interact and follow-up with Peoples Company agents and staff on closed transactions to uncover and solicit potential land management business. Regularly contact Real Estate Sales Coordinators to determine when transactions have closed and to obtain pertinent contact information. Contact agent to obtain relevant details of the specific parcel, owners, and transaction. Promptly follow-up with owners to gauge interest in becoming a managed account.

Acquisitions - Seek potential land management acquisition opportunities from other Land Managers and referral network leads. Relay potential qualified leads to company leadership.

Peoples Company Updates - Provide regular updates to Peoples Company agents at meetings on items such as rental rates, current yield numbers and estimates, tradeshows, upcoming education opportunities, legislative changes, and any other key management issues and/or concerns relevant to the team.

Cross-Selling - Take advantage of opportunities to proactively promote all Peoples Company products, services, and divisions. Introduce clients and referral sources to team members of other divisions and maintain sufficient working knowledge of the full line of company products and services so as to recognize cross-selling opportunities.

Director of Land Management