Head of Crops and Agroforestry

WHO WE ARE

Caney Fork Farms (CFF)  is a diversified regenerative organic farm in middle Tennessee. Our mission is to inspire others with living proof that regenerative organic farming in our region benefits farmers, the environment, and the community. CFF produces mixed vegetables, chestnuts, 100% grassfed beef and lamb and pasture raised pork and we sell directly to consumers in our region. Our work is centered around the soil with a focus on carbon farming practices that store atmospheric C02 below ground. In addition to farm production we have a robust research and outreach program studying different organic agriculture methods and how those methods impact soil health, carbon sequestration and overall agroecosystem health. We organize and share the information we have learned with other stakeholders. 

We are fun and we work hard. Each day we live into our values of doing the hard stuff that matters, honoring relationships, being good to each other, and being curious and innovative. Currently the farm is in a business and production growth phase where we are working to scale our vegetable and crops enterprise to meet the growing demand for regenerative and organic foods in middle Tennessee. We have a vision and the team is aligned. We operate using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and currently have good traction to achieve our 3-year picture.

INTRODUCTION  

The Head of Crops and Agroforestry (HCA)  oversees the team responsible for vegetable production, agroforestry, which is primarily chestnuts  but also mulberries, apples, and other fruit producing trees, and also works with the Farm Director on the grain and pulse production at our satellite farm. The Grain and Pulse enterprises are new to the farm as of 2024 and we are continuing to refine methods. We have also recently finished building a grain cleaning facility but the structural integration of that within the farm has yet to be determined. The HCA is a very diversified role with a lot of responsibility and the person in the seat must maintain a high level of general abilities and knowledge while knowing where to focus on key-details that allow each enterprise to advance. Vegetables are the primary revenue generator annually, followed by chestnuts, and then grains. As of 2024 this department is expected to have rapid growth over the next 3 years and will eventually be the highest grossing department on the farm. The ideal candidate for this role will be a good leader and delegator, have strong agriculture knowledge including equipment operation, understand finances, budgets, and also have computer skills and a willingness to embrace the various technologies utilized on the farm. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

C&A Team fully understands and is aligned with the vision

Vegetable gross revenue

Vegetable COGS and Direct Overhead including hourly labor

Agroforestry gross revenue 

Agroforestry COGS and Direct Overhead including hourly labor

Grain and Pulse gross revenue (future)

Grain and Pulse COGS and Direct Overhead (future)

Annual Vegetable Crop Plan

All record keeping is up-to-date and accessible when needed - including yield data

Ensure OSP is up-to-date and all materials are current

Ensuring crew has the knowledge to operate equipment and tools

All departmental equipment and infrastructure is maintained and functioning

Washpack area and seed closet is clean and organized

Potting Shed and Greenhouse is clean and organized

All food safety standards are adhered to and paperwork is current

Ensure flow of communication between department and sales is smooth and consistent

DAILY OVERSIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Attend weekly Leadership team meeting

Lead departmental weekly L10 and quarterly meetings

Ensure all cascading messages from the leadership L10 are communicated to team

Support team with on-the-ground work in all areas of the department (not a desk job)

Hold team accountable for their areas of influence

Help team prioritize tasks based on weekly, monthly, and quarterly To-Do’s/Goals

Ensure the team is working effectively in all areas of production - (planting, weeding, harvesting, irrigating, trellising, pest & disease control etc).

Understand soil tests as they relate to crop yields

Understand when and where it is most effective to engage with field work and do so

Seek opportunities and leads for wholesale vegetable movement

Ensure weekly CSA, market, and wholesale communication is flowing to Sales

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION 

Attention to detail is a must, as well as a strong work ethic and alignment with our core values. The HCA must be able to work on tasks both in a group setting and alone. The HCA must understand our vision and be able to communicate that to the team and lead according to the vision. The HCA must have a strong general knowledge of vegetables, crops, agroforestry, soil-health, and equipment and preventative maintenance within the department. Computer skills are necessary and include word-processing, spreadsheets, and the ability to learn and pick up new software when needed. Strong communication skills are a must which  includes the timely and effective transfer of information to the necessary parties within the farm. The HCA must be emotionally intelligent and have the ability to lead and manage team members effectively and to understand where there are opportunities for increased and/or improved communication. The HCA must be willing to give feedback when necessary and do so in a way that is effective and appropriate. The HCA must be present and supportive of the team on a weekly basis and must be willing to identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes. The HCA must have the ability to manage to a budget and be disciplined to check the budget regularly to ensure this is happening. 

DIRECT REPORT DETAILS     

Harvest and Propagation Lead

Vegetable Field Lead

General Crew Member (2+ - includes apprentice)

Moonlight Labor Collective (When on-site)

GUIDELINES AND TOOLS 

Guidelines that will help the team member in this position achieve success and follow company procedures include: 

Employee Handbook  

Caney Fork Farms Google Drive, Notion, Core Processes, and SOPs 

Mission and Values Statement 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS 

Must be able to work outside in most conditions, including hot, cold, and rainy weather conditions. Team members are responsible for avoiding unsafe weather conditions such as lightning and extreme temperatures. Vegetable farming is acutely labor intensive. Repetitive motion, bending, crouching, squatting, and the ability to lift 50 lbs are all aspects of the position. Team members are responsible for maintaining proper form and tool usage to avoid injury. 

Both emotional intelligence and patience are required when working with other staff members. Work to bring in your best self each day and work to encourage a positive work environment. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

All weather conditions. Tractor work, walk-behind tractor work, office work, and driving are all environments that the HCA must be comfortable in. Listening to your body and knowing your limits is key. Team members are always allowed water and rest breaks throughout their day. Some days will be longer than others during high labor times of the year. 

**This job description is designed to give you an overview of the main tasks and responsibilities for this position.  As Caney Fork Farms  evolves and grows over time this job description may be changed in consultation with you.  You will be expected to embrace such changes, to work flexibly, and to rise to the challenge of developing your skills over time.**