Area Forage Manager

Job Purpose

• To oversee the planning, production, processing, storage, and distribution of quality forage (grass and feed) for the company's livestock value chain and pastoralist programs.
• The Forage Manager ensures consistent availability of nutritious and cost-effective feed materials to support both internal livestock operations and external pastoralist farmers.
• The role combines technical expertise, operational management, and community coordination to enhance animal productivity and sustainability.

Roles and Responsibilities
Forage Production Planning & Management:

• Develop and implement annual forage production plans aligned with company livestock feed requirements.
• Identify suitable land areas for forage cultivation and ensure optimal use of available resources (land, water, and equipment).
• Select appropriate forage species based on climatic and soil conditions (e.g., Napier grass, maize silage, sorghum, or legumes).
• Oversee land preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilization, weed control, and harvesting schedules.
• Monitor crop performance and implement corrective measures for pest, disease, or weather-related challenges.

Forage Processing & Storage:

• Supervise cutting, drying, baling, silage making, and storage operations.
• Ensure the use of proper machinery and techniques to maintain feed nutritional quality.
• Maintain records of production volumes, storage levels, and quality parameters.
• Implement safety, hygiene, and maintenance standards in all forage processing facilities.

Distribution & Sales Coordination:

• Plan and coordinate the distribution of forage and feed products to pastoralist communities and company sites.
• Collaborate with Pastoralist Managers and Field Representatives to forecast demand and plan supply.
• Monitor pricing, logistics, and delivery efficiency to ensure accessibility and affordability for farmers.
• Track customer feedback and satisfaction related to forage quality and service.

Research & Quality Improvement:

• Work with technical and R&D teams to evaluate new forage varieties and cultivation methods.
• Conduct periodic feed analysis to ensure nutritional adequacy and consistency.
• Introduce innovations in forage conservation (silage, haylage, etc.) to reduce post-harvest losses.

Team Supervision & Capacity Building:

• Manage field and processing teams, providing training on best practices in forage production and handling.
• Supervise contractors, seasonal workers, and equipment operators during production cycles.
• Promote a safety-first culture and enforce compliance with company policies and standards.

Data Management & Reporting:

• Maintain detailed records on forage production, sales, costs, and farmer engagement.
• Analyze productivity and financial data to support cost control and continuous improvement.
• Prepare periodic performance and forecast reports for management review.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement:

• Work with local farmers, cooperatives, and government agricultural bodies to expand forage sourcing opportunities.
• Support training sessions for pastoralists and outgrowers on fodder cultivation and preservation techniques.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Annual forage production volume (tons harvested)
• Feed quality (nutritional and moisture parameters)
• Percentage of feed demand met across regions
• Efficiency of distribution and logistics (cost per ton delivered)
• Reduction in feed shortages or stock-outs
• Farmer satisfaction with forage quality and service
• Budget compliance and cost optimization

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy, Animal Science, Crop Production, Agricultural Engineering, or related field with 58 years of experience in forage production, feed operations, or livestock nutrition management
• Experience managing agricultural production teams and field logistics
• Knowledge of irrigation systems, farm equipment, and mechanized operations
• Familiarity with feed analysis, preservation methods (hay/silage), and quality standards
• Fluency in Hausa and/or Fulfulde is an advantage for field coordination

Skills and Competencies:

• Technical knowledge of forage cultivation, harvesting, and preservation
• Strong planning, organization, and execution skills
• Analytical and reporting ability
• Leadership and team management
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Business acumen for cost control and distribution efficiency