Wade Kent has been farming with his dad since he was 17 years old on a farm that his great grandfather started. Kent farms a corn and soybean operation in Iowa, which he hopes to pass down to his kids to carry on the family tradition. To do that, the land needs to be kept in good shape - everything from soil to application techniques to water quality - which is why Kent studied crop physiology, agronomy and soil science in college and now works as a full-time agronomist with Nutrien.

He’s one of many agronomists who serve as a Nutrien Ag Solutions crop consultant, pairing a common passion for science and land preservation with a commitment to service to help maintain farms for years to come. These scientists’ agronomy acumen and commitment to being good stewards of the land help customers implement best practices to take care of their land.

Helping growers with an expansive team

The Nutrien Agronomy and Environmental Science team is made up of more than 50 agronomists across the country who offer sound recommendations, backed by extensive science to help growers succeed year after year.

With a North American retail operation that spans the country and includes over 1200 branch locations, Nutrien agronomists are collecting vast amounts of data about how certain products and application techniques perform. This is a treasure trove of information for growers. “The agronomic services and knowledge we have, ranging from variable rates, fertilizers, seeding, scouting, - provides essential insight and science-backed solutions for farmers,” said Clara Millsaps, a Nutrien Regional agronomist who covers the southern region of the U.S.

Nutrien scientists like Millsaps and Kent meet one-on-one with local growers to partner and develop agronomic plans accounting for soil, air, water, crop types and more. They can pinpoint with precision the proper products application techniques and cycle length to fully optimize soil to minimize runoff and waste, and meet the specific needs of any field.

Using big data to refine a localized approach

A key differentiator of Nutrien’s team of agronomists is that they have localized knowledge and offer specific recommendations based on targeted geographic data. Their customized approach to agronomy ensures customers are getting the best, most up-do-date information for their specific location.

“Not every farm is the same. Not every field across the fence is the same as the one next to it,” said Kent. “There are a lot of variables - from soil type, grower practices, equipment used, fertilizer type and more - and Nutrien has the ability to refine recommendations based on a robust and also localized dataset.”

Nutrien Ag Solutions’ unique combination of digital agronomy applications, combined with in-house soil and tissue testing through Waypoint Analytical, provides a high-resolution approach to agronomy.  Through these programs, Nurtien Ag Solutions’ locations can provide an industry-leading agronomic experience that better serves our customers, and maximizes their investments in their equipment.

Prioritizing sustainability for the next generation

Growers have been sustainably farming for centuries. It’s a practice that maintains the land and soil for generations. Nutrien’s team of experts help optimize the sustainable practices that are already in place. The farm of the future will likely have more autonomous vehicles and robots, but one thing will remain the same: the soil itself is key. Sustainable practices are instrumental to ensure the most productive and profitable operation that stands the test of time.

As for Kent, he plans to keep prioritizing an agronomic approach for his family farm, with science at the forefront. “You don’t want to see your soil blowing away. You don’t want to see it running down the river and you don’t want to see your family’s legacy doing the same thing,” said Kent. “You want to pass on something better to the next generation.”

Contact your local ag retailer to learn more.

To talk to a local crop consultant about your agronomy plans, contact your nearest Nutrien retail branch location.

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Posted October 8, 2021

Eric Snodgrass from Nutrien Ag Solutions breaks down data and trends he sees in weather