Betsy Bower
Ceres Solutions Agronomist

Why Agronomy?

I have always been interested in agriculture, but what really locked in my interest in agronomy was working (participating in FFA crops and soils judging contests and my high school agriculture classes for Future Farmers of America in crops and soils judging.

Seven or eight years ago I suggested that my organization create an agronomist position. Since then, Iíve worked as an agronomist. Prior to that I was a sales representative for a basic manufacturer, and I was a crop specialist for a local cooperative for five years before that. I have been in the retail agronomy field for about 13-14 years.

I attended Purdue University for my B.S. in Soil and Crop Science, and I attended the University of Nebraska for my M.S. in Agronomy.

A Day in the Life of an Agronomist

The fun of being an agronomist is that there is not a typical day; if you are working out in the field, it doesnít happen on a 9-5 schedule. In the summer I work with growers to diagnose field crop problems, identify pests and make recommendations for the next steps. I always enjoy working with the growers one on one. Being a retail agronomist it is one of the most rewarding and satisfying jobs there is.

I am currently working on helping growers and fellow employees understand how fertility works in the soil and the importance of good soil fertility. I am also working with a yield analysis program that allows Ceres Solutions to send layers of agronomic data to an analysis center. This allows me to query the database to determine what agronomic factors could be affecting yield in each field and more effectively help my clients.

Highlights in Agronomy

Agronomy is always challenging. Weather has a tremendous impact on how our crops grow each year. It is both demanding and fun trying to figure out how different weather conditions influence crop growth, pests, and the relationship between the two. Every season is different; every year is different. New technology, global positioning and genetically modified crops have had a tremendous positive impact on how crops are grown.

Annually, at Ceres Solutions, we conduct field research of our own. We are able to look at fertilizers, crop protection products, seeding rates, etc and how they may affect corn and soybean yield.

The Future of Agronomy

Genetically modified crops and new genetics will continue to push yields up. Companies are working on crops that will produce higher yields with the same or lower rates of nitrogen. They are also working on drought-resistant crops that perform more efficiently in times of low rainfall.

Using global positioning helps us to map nutrient zones and then be more exact about how and where we will place product. Being able to put nitrogen and phosphorus only where we need it helps us to protect the environment from excess runoff. Environmental issues like these as well as consumer needs and wants will continue to have an impact on agronomy in the future.