Professor of Practice - Farm Finance and Analysis

The Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Auburn University seeks a Professor of Practice - Farm Finance and Management. This is a full-time, twelve-month, non-tenure track research appointment renewable annually contingent upon satisfactory performance, position need, and funding. The projected start date is October 1, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a statewide farm financial analysis and research program in Alabama.
  • To empower 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.
    • Provide benchmarks for Alabama farmers through data from Alabama farms.
    • Gather cost of production data for farm policy making at the state and federal levels.
    • Support farm management research to guide financial efficiency and production practices.
  • Recruit farmers for the program to learn about financial analysis and collect farm financial data for further research and benchmarking.
  • Work with state stakeholders to encourage farmer participation in the program.
  • 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.
• Teach one undergraduate/graduate course in Farm Management each spring semester.
  • This teaching assignment ties together work done in the state with farmers and other aspects of farm management informed by the other responsibilities of this position.

Qualifications

• An earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related discipline by the expected position start date.
• Experience working with farmers on farm management issues including, but not limited to: financial analysis, marketing, recordkeeping, and related decision-making for the farm.
• Desired teaching experience of farm management topics.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills.
• Eligibility to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment.

How to Apply

To apply, attach a cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to all position responsibilities, current curriculum vitae, copies of ALL academic transcripts, and three professional references with contact information. Applications must be submitted by end of business on August 20, 2026.

Questions concerning the position should be directed to: Dr. Wendiam Sawadgo, Search committee chair, email: wendiam@auburn.edu

The position may remain open until filled.