Southern Irrigation Agronomist - VOPS Caledon at The South African Breweries (SAB)

Key Role and Responsibilities:​

Farmer Engagement:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with commercial barley farmers, providing technical guidance on best practices, crop management, and sustainable farming techniques.​

Experimental Variety Evaluation:

• Conduct trials to assess the performance of experimental barley varieties, gathering critical data on yield, disease resistance, and adaptability. Analyse results to support decision-making in variety release and commercial farming recommendations.​

Field Trials & Research:

• Design, implement, and monitor field trials focused on improving barley varieties, resistance management, and crop yield. Produce reports on trial outcomes to inform strategic decisions.​

Data Collection, Analysis & Technology Application:

• Work with large and complex data sets from field trials and crop performance assessments. Utilize modern agricultural technologies to improve data accuracy, generate insights, and drive improved agronomic practices.​

Crop Management Support:

• Work directly with farmers on crop planning, planting, nutrient management, irrigation, pest and disease control, and harvest protocols.​

Training & Knowledge Sharing:

• Conduct training sessions and workshops for farmers on agronomy practices, new barley varieties, and sustainable agriculture methods. Facilitate knowledge sharing and development within the farming community.​

Collaboration & Reporting:

• Work closely with the agronomy team to develop integrated crop management strategies, report progress, and support the delivery of team objectives.

Minimum Requirements:​

• Honours or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field preferred.​
• 3–5 years of experience in agronomy, with specific expertise in working with commercial farmers and evaluating experimental varieties.​
• Proficiency in both English and Afrikaans (written and spoken).​
• Valid driver’s license ​
• Strong analytical skills, with experience handling large and complex data sets.​
• Experience and proficiency with modern agricultural technologies.​
• Strong understanding of cropping systems requirements and management practices.​
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with farmers and team members.​