Effingham - Grain Merchandiser
The Grain Originator is responsible for procuring grain, supporting merchandising and hedging activities, and maintaining strong customer relationships. This role works closely with producers and internal teams to communicate market information, manage contracts and logistics, and support the efficient flow of grain.
Location
201 W Roadway Ave, Effingham, IL 62401
Reports to
VP of Grain
Salary
$60,000 - $85,000 annually
Key Responsibilities
- Follow all established personnel and safety policies and procedures
- Grain Origination: Procure grain from local producers and call on new accounts
- Work with producers updating them on market trends, current grain quotes, grain programs, and form marketing plans
- Work closely with Grain Marketing personnel (i.e., grain merchants, grain buyers, the hedge desk and accountants) in exchange of information
- Communicate bid changes and closing bids to customers
- Report and record all purchasing contracts quickly and accurately
- Assist in the management of logistics (rail and truck)
- Assist with rail billing and grain sales settlements as needed
- Perform daily hedging activities
- Work with the elevator and office staff in the exchange of information to enhance the flow of grain
- Provide excellent customer service and work well with patrons in a courteous and professional manner
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with customers and potential customers
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Leadership Characteristics
- Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Business, or equivalent experience. Experience in the Grain industry is preferred.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public
Work Environment
The nature of the business requires extended hours.
Travel
The employee may be required to travel to other facilities in The Equity trade area, conferences, educational opportunities, and other job-related activities.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time.
Date Posted
02/20/2026
Who is The Equity?
The Equity is an independent ag cooperative headquartered in Effingham, Illinois and has over 600 employees. Our market area currently includes 22 locations and covers central Illinois and southwest Indiana. The Equity has five divisions including: Agronomy, Grain, Feed & Livestock, Energy, and two Retail Stores, plus a Precision Agronomy dealership as well as a cutting-edge drone sprayer business. The Equity’s mission is to deliver value to our customers through operational excellence, providing information, exploring opportunities, and supporting profitable roles for producers.
Benefits Overview
- Paid vacation, 6 days Paid Time for All, 8 paid holidays, 3 paid floating holidays
- 401k match up to 6%
- One week paid Parental Leave
- Referral Program
- Company Incentive Program
- Medical, dental, and vision
- Paid Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Effingham Equity shall not be liable for, shall not pay, and expressly rejects and disclaims any and all responsibility or liability for any commission, expense, fee or cost claimed or charged by any recruitment or employment agency, firm, or company in connection with the employment of any candidate selected by Effingham Equity for the position described above unless a written contract is executed by Effingham Equity and such employment agency, firm or company before Effingham Equity makes an offer of employment to such candidate.