Michigan Sugar Company, a grower-owned cooperative and one of the largest sugarbeet processors in the United States, is hiring an Agronomist to serve growers across the Central District, including the greater Detroit, MI area. This role delivers expert agronomic guidance, field scouting, crop planning, and harvest coordination to help growers optimize yield, crop quality, and long-term sustainability.
About Michigan Sugar Company
Founded: 1906, grower-owned cooperative since 2002
Industry Rank: 3rd largest sugarbeet processor in the United States
Facilities: Processing plants in Bay City, Caro, Croswell, and Sebewaing, Michigan
Scale: Nearly 900 grower-owners farming up to 160,000 acres annually
Brands: Pioneer and Big Chief sugar sold to industrial, commercial, and retail customers
Career Growth & Community Impact
Economic Reach: Annual payroll of over $65 million and $500 million local economic impact
Workforce: 930 year-round employees plus 1,100 seasonal workers across Michigan
Employer Standing: No. 1 employer in Huron County, top employer in Bay, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties
Growth Path: Mentor Agriculturists, lead grower education, and shape agronomy strategy regionally
Position Overview
As Agronomist, you’ll serve as the primary agronomic advisor for assigned growers in the Central District, providing expert guidance to optimize yield, crop quality, and sustainability. You’ll support the full production cycle — field scouting, crop planning, and harvest coordination — while assisting Agricultural Operations during harvest by monitoring incoming loads and evaluating weather-related risks. This role also coaches Agriculturists, supports youth and young farmer outreach, and partners with the Agronomy Manager on winter grower education programs.
💡 Why This Role Matters: As Agronomist at Michigan’s leading grower-owned cooperative, you guide agronomic decisions for growers farming up to 160,000 acres, work hands-on with variable rate seeding and satellite imagery technology, mentor the next generation of Agriculturists, contribute to youth and young farmer outreach programs, and build a rewarding career in Michigan’s agriculture and food production sector.
Key Responsibilities
Grower Advisory & Field Scouting
- Serve as primary agronomic advisor for assigned growers in the Central District
- Scout fields throughout the growing season for emergence, disease, insects, and weeds
- Recommend timely, data-driven solutions to protect yield and crop quality
- Consult on variety selection, disease management, soil fertility, and crop health
Technology & Agronomic Programs
- Utilize and support agronomic technologies including variable rate seeding
- Apply satellite imagery to inform field-level recommendations
- Develop and support grower services and technology adoption programs
- Collaborate with Agronomy and Research leadership on new practices
Harvest Support & Coordination
- Assist Agricultural Operations during harvest season
- Monitor incoming loads to ensure proper storage conditions
- Evaluate weather-related risks that may impact harvest decisions
- Partner with Ag Logistics to support Maus operations
Coaching, Outreach & Education
- Coach and support Agriculturists to build technical knowledge and effectiveness
- Contribute to youth and young farmer outreach initiatives
- Develop and deliver presentations at grower meetings and internal events
- Partner with the Agronomy Manager to plan winter grower education programs
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or a related field, or equivalent experience
Experience Requirements
- Experience in field consulting or agronomic advising preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Essential Skills
- Strong agronomic knowledge and technical expertise
- Ability to provide trusted, data-driven recommendations to growers
- Strong communication and public speaking skills
- Self-motivated with ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Strong interpersonal skills to influence grower practices and build relationships
- Ability to mentor and support development of team members
About Michigan Sugar Company
Join Michigan Sugar Company, a grower-owned cooperative founded in 1906 and headquartered in Bay City, Michigan. With processing facilities in Bay City, Caro, Croswell, and Sebewaing, the company supports nearly 900 grower-owners cultivating up to 160,000 acres of sugarbeets annually across 20 Michigan counties and Ontario, Canada, producing roughly 1.3 billion pounds of sugar each year under the Pioneer and Big Chief brands.
Career Excellence: Build a lasting agronomy career with a company offering 100% company-paid medical insurance, 401k match, and a full benefits package.
Who Should Apply?
- Agronomy Graduates: With a Bachelor’s degree seeking hands-on grower advisory experience
- Field Consultants: With an agronomic advising background and strong analytical skills
- Crop Scouts: Experienced in disease, insect, and weed identification
- Agriculture Professionals: Interested in variable rate seeding and satellite imagery technology
- Mentors & Educators: Passionate about grower education and youth farming outreach
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