Careers in Agriculture

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- 18 - © A gCareers.com 2017
Having worked with CHS, Inc. for ten years, Ben
books barge freight daily for terminals on the company’s
river system that they supply barges for. This equates to
competing in a volatile market.
“It goes up and down on a daily basis, so you’re
trying to manage that and make money,” Ben said.
“You’re studying boat logistics and keeping barges in
front of terminals. You watch outside factors and
economic factors like weather. Weather has a huge
impact on transportation. Where different commodities
flow is dependent on bids and offers in various parts of
the world.”
In a role such as Ben’s, no day is ever the same.
“There are always different variables and dynamics
that affect what we do,” Ben said. “Whether it’s boat
logistics, high water, low water, a heavy grain
harvest happening, all of those kinds of
things affect what we do. No one
month, no one week is the
same as the next.”
barges are,” Ben said. “We’re feeding the global
marketplace by exporting the various commodities that
go into barges like corn, soybeans, grain byproducts, and
wheat. If you shut down rail transportation, barge
transportation, and ocean transportation, you’re cutting
off the supply of those grains to the entire global
marketplace, so it’s absolutely crucial.”
Ben, unlike many of his colleagues, does not have a
background in agriculture. He grew up in urban St. Paul,
Minnesota and tried working in various industries before
finding out about CHS, Inc. His interest was peaked after
learning about the global need for agriculture.
Transportation may not be
traditionally associated with
the stereotypical image of
agriculture, but Ben Doane,
Barge Freight Merchandiser
with CHS, Inc., knows its
utmost importance.
“Growing up in a city, I
wasn’t aware of how important
TICKET TO BARGE
Despite an often challenging atmosphere, Ben enjoys
his work and the strong relationships he has built with
customers and vendors because of it.
“Talking to people every day and developing
relationships and building rapport helps you
accomplish business,” Ben said.
Ben recommends that young professionals interested
in grain merchandising study agricultural business or
economics as well as possessing a strong attention to
detail, a willingness to work, and a willingness to learn.
“As long as you’re willing to learn, it’s an interesting
industry and you see a lot in terms of international trade
and the global marketplace,” Ben said. “Also, remember
that you don’t have to come from a rural background to
get into agriculture.”
“You don’t have to come from a rural background to get into agriculture.”