The Sustainable Farming Association (SFA) seeks a dynamic and knowledgeable Grazing Education Lead to spearhead our farmer-led regenerative grazing education initiatives.
Position Title: Grazing Education Lead Position Type: Full-time, exempt position
Reports to: Farmer Education Director Location: Work from home anywhere in MN
Salary Range: $60,000-$70,000
About SFA
SFA was founded in 1988 by farmers united in their commitment to creating an agricultural system
focused on improving soil health, growing healthy food and revitalizing rural communities. Today
SFA has more than 1,200 members and nine regional chapters. We remain farmer led and
committed to fostering the successful adoption of regenerative practices on more Minnesota farms
to protect natural resources, revitalize rural communities and ensure economic viability for this
generation of farmers and the next.
Position Overview
This role is pivotal to our mission of transforming agriculture across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest by providing
technical assistance, developing educational resources, and coordinating events that promote
sustainable grazing systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in grazing
management, excellent communication skills, and a passion for supporting farmers in their
transition to regenerative practices. Because SFA’s work is grounded in peer-to-peer learning, the
successful candidate must also be an active farmer or rancher themselves—someone with lived
experience who can speak from the field, not just the classroom.
Key Responsibilities
● Technical Assistance: Provide one-on-one consulting to farmers seeking guidance on
grazing system design, infrastructure planning, and integration of livestock into cropping
systems. (40%)
● Educational Program Development: Design and implement educational programs,
workshops, and field days focused on regenerative grazing practices, including rotational
grazing, cover cropping, and livestock integration.
Transforming agriculture, one farm at a time
● Event Coordination: In collaboration with the Farmer Education Director, organize and lead
pasture walks, fencing demonstrations, and other hands-on events to showcase effective
grazing systems and innovations. Support the programming and logistics of the Midwest
Soil Health & Grazing Summit. (30%)
● Resource Creation: Develop and disseminate educational materials such as case studies,
handbooks, and podcasts to support farmer learning and adoption of best practices. (10%)
● Partnership Engagement: Partner with other organizations in the grazing and livestock
space to align efforts, share resources, and expand the reach of SFA’s grazing education
programs. (10%)
● Program Evaluation: Monitor and assess the impact of educational initiatives, collecting
feedback to continuously improve program effectiveness. (5%)
● SFA Support: Attend staff meetings and support other SFA initiatives as called upon. (5%)
Qualifications
Experience:
We value real-world experience over formal education. Applicants should have significant hands-on
experience in grazing management, livestock production, or related agricultural systems. Previous
Internships, apprenticeships, and farm management experience is strongly preferred. A post-
secondary degree is not required.
Preferred Background:
● At least 10 years of experience in regenerative grazing, soil health, sustainable livestock
systems, or conservation.
● Experience developing and delivering farmer-focused education and technical support.
● Demonstrated ability to manage or operate a working farm or ranch.
Skills:
● Deep understanding of regenerative grazing systems.
● Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical
concepts into practical information for a range of audiences.
● Proficient in using digital tools for outreach, communication, and resource development
(e.g. Google Workspace, Zoom, etc.).
● Ability to work independently, be self-directed, and manage multiple priorities and projects
simultaneously.
Other Requirements:
● Applicants must be Minnesota residents.
● Applicants must be willing to travel around Minnesota and the Upper Midwest
● Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, provide proof of insurance and have access to
a vehicle.
For more information or to apply:
Transforming agriculture, one farm at a time
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing why you would be a great
fit for this position to Jonathan Kilpatrick - jonathan@sfa-mn.org. Applications that do not include a
cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
The Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer. We do not
discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,
national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic
protected by law.
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