FARM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT (FMS) ADVISOR

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

Farm Management Support (FMS) Advisors provide on-farm consulting and technical support to dairy farmers during the transition to and implementation of automated solutions, including robotic milking systems, parlors, youngstock management, calf feeding, and herd feeding systems.

This position serves as a field-based trusted advisor and primary point of contact, combining knowledge of dairy herd management, animal nutrition, bovine physiology, milk quality, agricultural technology, data analysis, and customer support. The FMS Advisor guides dairy farms in optimizing herd performance, animal welfare, milk quality, and operational efficiency throughout their transition to automation and during the ongoing management of both herd and equipment performance.

FMS Advisors also serve as one of the company's first points of contact with customers, representing the company and acting as the front-line eyes and ears of the organization. They are responsible for ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction.

The FMS Advisor collaborates closely with the Sales, Service, and Route teams to deliver an exceptional customer experience, not only during startup but throughout the ongoing relationship with the customer.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Build a strong foundation in dairy technology, herd management, and farm performance optimization.
2. Support successful farm startups by reviewing, advising and establishing proper milking and feeding settings, monitoring equipment and herd performance, evaluating milk quality, and advising customers throughout the lifecycle of their dairy operation by continuously optimizing herd and equipment performance.
3. Build and maintain long-term working relationships with customers.
4. Foster a collaborative team environment throughout the company and ensure all customer interactions reflect respect and support for colleagues.
5. Follow and implement company guidelines and requirements regarding customer satisfaction through consistent communication and proper documentation of customer interactions and service activities.
6. Maintain and enhance the company image while properly representing and enforcing company policies.
7. Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, strong work ethic, excellent attendance, teamwork, and effective time management.
8. Continuously increase knowledge of the dairy industry, bovine physiology, animal health, animal nutrition, milk production, milk quality, and the importance of properly functioning equipment.
9. Maintain detailed and accurate documentation of all pertinent business activities, including but not limited to customer commitments, service activities, customer concerns, staff interactions, equipment records, and system analyses, ensuring records are properly maintained within the company's electronic systems.
10. Keep all company information, including but not limited to costs, pricing, and customer information, strictly confidential.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Facilitate a standard on-farm visit schedule to provide insights, coaching, report reviews, goal evaluations, and collaboration with other farm advisors to ensure customers feel confident and supported.
2. Review herd and equipment management software settings before startup, during implementation, and throughout the post-startup period, providing recommendations on settings and reporting.
3. Utilize farm data to identify opportunities for improvement and recommend practical solutions related to cow health, productivity, system performance, and milk quality.
4. Provide practical recommendations to improve cow health, milk quality, labor efficiency, and system performance.
5. Collaborate closely with other farm advisors and industry professionals, including but not limited to nutritionists and veterinarians.
6. Provide guidance and support before startup and throughout the post-startup period.
7. Maintain accurate herd records, equipment documentation, and performance reports.
8. Develop technical expertise and advisory skills within a field-based role.
9. Provide documentation and guidance to assist dairy farms in integrating automation smoothly into daily operations.
10. Train dairy farm personnel on the use of herd and equipment management software.
11. Train dairy farm personnel on required daily equipment maintenance responsibilities.
12. Review and monitor farm milk quality reports.
13. Work collaboratively with Route and Service personnel to identify and resolve milk quality issues.
14. The responsibilities of the FMS Advisor may be modified due to company growth, industry changes, market developments, or other business opportunities.

NOTE: Items listed in this document provide a general overview of the position and are not intended to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Vocational, technical, or university education in Agriculture or a related field.
2. Broad dairy industry experience.
3. Knowledge of bovine physiology and nutrition.
4. Background in dairy farming, feeding, animal health, and agricultural technology.
5. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
6. A problem-solving mindset with a customer-focused approach.
7. Ability to work effectively as a collaborative team member.
8. Empathy, patience, and a genuine interest in helping producers succeed.
9. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.
10. Ability to train and support others in the adoption and use of new technologies.
11. Knowledge of automated milking and/or feeding systems is preferred.