“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eyes on you.” Psalm 32:8
We strive for diversity across the globe
This year, AGRI-SEARCH proudly celebrates 30 years of service to the agricultural industry. What began as a vision by Rich Connell in 1995 has grown into a respected recruitment and consulting firm with a legacy rooted in relationships, results, and integrity.
When Rich opened the doors of AGRI-SEARCH, he did more than launch a business; he created an opportunity. When Dave Allen joined Rich’s team, he brought with him a passion for agriculture and a deep respect for people. Under Rich’s mentorship, Dave grew into the leader he is today. In 2001, Dave transitioned into leadership at AGRI-SEARCH and continued to shape its mission and direction with wisdom, humility, and a servant’s heart.
Over the years, Dave has impacted not only the growth of our company but also the lives and careers of countless candidates and clients across the country. His leadership has been a steady compass, grounded in faith and driven by a commitment to excellence and integrity. Dave’s ability to connect with people and guide them through some of the most important decisions in their careers has left a lasting mark on the agricultural industry.
Longtime team members Jim Fleming and Vic Heinold have also played a critical role in our story. With decades of combined experience, they bring deep industry knowledge, wise counsel, and an unwavering dedication to serving others. Their loyalty to AGRI-SEARCH and to the people we serve is unmatched, and their legacy continues to influence how we work and who we are.
Today, a new generation is stepping up to build on this strong foundation. Chelbi Alt and Brad Jansen bring a fresh energy and bold vision for the future of AGRI-SEARCH. With big dreams and an innovative spirit, they are helping expand our services, strengthen our client partnerships, and shape the next chapter of our story. Their leadership reflects the same core values our company was built on: faith, family, and doing what’s right.
AGRI-SEARCH is extremely grateful for all of the talented teammates who have been a part of our story over the past three decades, not only helping people find jobs but changing lives. We have worked alongside hundreds of agribusinesses to build stronger teams and brighter futures. But beyond the placements and partnerships, what we are most proud of is the culture we have built, one that truly feels like family.
Within our own “four walls,” we support one another, challenge each other, and share a deep sense of purpose in the work we do. Our team lives by faith and leads with integrity, knowing that when we serve others well, we honor the legacy we have inherited.
As we celebrate this 30-year milestone, we look back with gratitude and forward with excitement. Thank you to our clients, candidates, and industry partners for trusting us, challenging us, and growing with us. Here’s to the next 30 years of faith-driven service, meaningful relationships, and continued impact in agriculture!
— The AGRI-SEARCH Team
We strive for diversity across the globe
Current Open Career Opportunities
| At AGRI-SEARCH, our staff is committed to bringing top-tier talent to our clients. Open positions change daily, but the need for quality people is constant in every successful business.
Highlighted below are some of our current open positions we are assisting our clients with. If interested in having us assist you in landing talent for one of your positions, or if one of these opportunities looks attractive to you or someone you know, please contact us. |
1147, Grain Originator, Northwest IllinoisA growing grain company in northwestern Illinois is seeking an experienced grain professional to lead origination and logistics across multiple locations with strong growth potential. This customer-focused role offers the opportunity to build relationships, manage grain buying and shipping, and collaborate closely with both merchandising and operations teams. This role is for someone with 3 to 20+ years of experience looking to put down roots in a welcoming rural area. 4014, Research Trial Manager, IllinoisA Research Trial Manager is needed for a contract crop research and management company based in central Illinois. This company has established a successful niche in the chemistry and nitrogen management segments of the agronomy industry. 4017, Grain Port Operations Manager, TexasNational Grain Company is seeking an Operations Manager for their Houston Port Grain Facility. The position will be responsible for managing all outside operations and employees. It is in a great location on the Western Coast of the Gulf. 4018, Chief Financial Officer, Central IllinoisA respected agricultural company in Central Illinois is looking for a dynamic and experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its leadership team. This role is ideal for a hands-on financial leader who enjoys being involved in both strategic planning and day-to-day operations. You’ll partner closely with the President, Board, and department leaders to drive growth, ensure financial health, and shape the future of the business. 4019, Commodities Trader, RemoteAn established and growing company is seeking a Commodities Trader to join their team. The company specializes in sourcing, storing, and distributing in the pet food, animal nutrition, and specialty ingredient markets. They operate across bulk commodity sourcing, transloading, warehousing, and private-label opportunities, with a strong reputation for customer service and supply chain reliability. 1123, Agronomy Retail Sales, IllinoisAgronomy retail company is seeking to hire a salesperson to work out of a retail location in north central Illinois. This is a customer-facing role. You will be calling on farmers providing agronomy and seed product solutions. 4012, Account Executive LATAM, IllinoisHighly successful Midwest-based agricultural hedging and consulting firm is seeking an Account Executive to work in a vital role on their client service Latin America team. Their clients produce, consume, process, and export commodities throughout the world. 4125, Executive Tax Partner, ArizonaJoin a rapidly growing accounting firm as a Tax Partner, focusing on serving agricultural clients, including family farming businesses. This unique leadership role offers the chance to take over an established client base while building new relationships in the agricultural sector. Ideal for a CPA with strong business development skills, this position offers a fast track to equity partnership and an opportunity to shape the firm’s future. 4022, Director of Sales, RemoteAn established, innovative, and industry-leading commodity technology company is seeking a Director of Sales to accelerate business growth and take their success to the next level. This privately owned company is driven by a passion for innovation, providing best-in-class solutions that help customers reduce operational costs and stay on the cutting edge of grain handling. 4021, Futures / Options Broker, Chicago, IllinoisA highly successful and rapidly growing grain marketing consulting company is seeking an experienced broker to help lead continued expansion. The company is extremely customer-oriented and has carved out an impressive niche in the grain risk management space. They service all sizes of producers throughout the heartland with great brand name recognition. Based in Chicago, they are a small, collaborative, and dynamic team that values work-life balance. |
Hiring for Heart: Why Character Counts More Than a Resume
Featured Recruiter: Chelbi Alt
When it comes to hiring, one of the most important traits a person brings to the table isn’t listed on a resume; it is found in their character. Skills can be taught, systems can be learned, and experience can be gained over time. However, an individual who shows up with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a genuine commitment to your team and mission will consistently add more long-term value than someone simply checking boxes.
At AGRI-SEARCH, we believe that hiring people who care, who take ownership, build others up, and want to grow with your company is one of the most strategic decisions you can make. You are not just filling a position; you are investing in someone who will help shape the future of your organization.
That’s why our recruiting process goes far beyond scanning
resumes. We dig deep. We get to know the person behind the paper, what motivates them, how they lead, and what kind of teammate they are. We ask the hard questions, listen carefully, and look for the intangible qualities that define a high-impact hire. Our process is thorough and personal because we understand what’s at stake when building a team.
Our deep connections in the agricultural industry and decades of experience give us the insight to identify not just strong candidates, but the right candidates. We know the nuances of this industry, its challenges, opportunities, and the kind of people who thrive in it because we are deeply rooted in it ourselves. We are passionate about serving people, and we take great pride in matching mission-driven organizations with like-minded talent.
So, the next time you are hiring, don’t just ask what a candidate has done; instead, consider who they are. And know that when you partner with AGRI-SEARCH, we have already asked those questions for
We strive for diversity across the globe
Connecting Quality People to Quality Companies is Our Passion
Our job as professional recruiters is to identify, attract, evaluate, and help our clients land top talent for their team. We are constantly working with quality individuals who are positioned for growth in their career and are open to or actively seeking to make a change.
If your team is seeking talent to make a positive difference in your ability to serve your customers, reach out to us and see if it is something we can assist you with.
| Listed below are just a sampling of the talented candidates we have evaluated recently. If you would like to learn more about these or other candidates we have available, please contact us. |
| Financial Controllers
Looking for an experienced (Remote) Financial Controller? Our top-tier candidates bring 7+ years of finance and accounting expertise across various industries. They’ve successfully led teams (both in-house and remote), optimized processes, and driven efficiency. If your organization needs a seasoned Controller to take your finances to the next level don’t hesitate to contact our team! Seasoned Sales Professional A seasoned sales professional with a strong background in agriculture, real estate, and business operations is actively seeking a territory sales position. Based in the St. Louis region with easy access to major highways and airports, this candidate is highly mobile, enjoys travel, and is ready to represent your company on the road for extended periods to drive growth and build lasting customer relationships.
Grain Merchandisers, Originators and Traders A diverse group of talented and passionate grain professionals are ready for their next challenge. These candidates bring expertise, strategic insight, and a drive for success. Some are open to remote opportunities. Agronomy Professional An experienced agronomy professional with a passion for soils and fertility is seeking roles in agronomy retail sales. This candidate has an MS in Agronomy from Iowa State University. This person is polished and speaks well in front of a group and is fluent in both English and Spanish. They have international experience in Central America. Their ideal geography would be a two-hour radius of St. Louis. GM’s and CEO’s We partner with top industry executives seeking key management roles. Whether you need a visionary CEO or a strategic GM, we can connect you with leaders who have the expertise to drive your agricultural business forward. Contact Dave Allen or Chelbi Alt to find the right fit for your team! |
Have You Ever Considered that Recruiting Could be Your Career Passion?
Do you have a wealth of industry knowledge, several years’ experience in the ag industry, and a network of peers you enjoy engaging with? Do you have the grit to not give up and stay true to the course, no matter how difficult it may be? Are you competitive and possess a strong sales mentality where every “no” is just one step closer to a “yes”?
If so, and you have a passion for connecting with and helping people to go along with your strong agricultural industry background in agronomy, grain, accounting, safety, or other areas, please contact Dave Allen. We would enjoy having a discussion with you about how a recruiting career may be a great fit for you.
We strive for diversity across the globe
About AGRI-SEARCH
Founded in 1995, AGRI-SEARCH is a professional recruiting firm providing clients with customized recruiting solutions in various niches within the agricultural industry. Our success results from our industry focus, our specialized approach to recruiting, and our staff’s lifelong roots in, dedication to, and vast understanding and knowledge of the agricultural industry.
At AGRI-SEARCH, our mission states that we “are committed to serving the agricultural industry with integrity, passion and excellence by assisting our candidates to reach their career goals and helping our client companies build successful teams.”
