“No man is an island.”

The English poet John Donne may have been getting a little philosophical when he penned this work 400 years ago, but ask any farmer today, and they’ll understand the sentiment.

However, they may say it like this:

“No one farms alone.”

It’s true — farming is a tough job, and it takes a group of hardworking people to make an operation successful. Farming is a team effort, from the grandmother driving the grain cart during harvest to the grandson bringing wrenches from the toolbox.

When you need agronomic expertise, having a reliable partner by your side who’s committed to your success is invaluable, and that’s where your agronomist comes into play.

Most agronomists hold at least bachelor’s degree in agronomy or a related field. However, approximately 15% of agronomists also have earned a master’s degree. Many agronomists also choose to become Certified Crop Advisers. The Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) program is administered by the American Society of Agronomy as a way to ensure expertise in the field and protect the public and profession. There are hundreds of CCAs throughout the Corn Belt, and to become certified, the agronomist must possess a degree, have field experience, and pass two certification exams. CCAs must also continue their professional development by earning continuing education units (CEUs) to keep their certification.

Education, professionalism, and experience are important attributes of a good agronomist. Yet, what makes a great agronomist? What characteristics should a farmer look for when building a relationship with this vital member of their team?

Here are a few attributes that make the difference between a good agronomist and a great agronomist.

Communication 

Strong communication is the key to success for any service professional, especially in the ag industry. A great agronomist communicates with farmers in ways they can understand and talks to anyone they meet. A reliable agronomist is available whenever the farmer needs advice and translates technical knowledge into applicable solutions. Clear communication provides the farmer with vital information needed to make important crop decisions leading to more bushells at the end of the season.

Connection 

Similarly, a great agronomist’s communication skills go above and beyond what’s happening in the field: it’s about being a master relationship builder. They’re the person who walks into the local diner and immediately makes five friends. They’re a go-getter who makes jokes and builds trust by valuing human interaction. Ultimately, a great agronomist seeks opportunities to make personal connections. By building this personal trust, a farmer begins to trust his agronomist to offer sound advice.

Knowledge 

Along with excellent communication, an agronomist needs to know their stuff. Farmers have a lot of time and money tied up in their operations, and when they need expert advice, expert advice is what they expect. A standout agronomist knows the pros and cons of each hybrid and variety and can make expert recommendations that will help improve a farmer’s bottom line. 

Local knowledge in an agronomist’s region is also vital. They understand the soil types, environmental conditions and weather impact more than any textbook. Their literal ‘boots on the ground’ experience can’t be replaced. 

Farmers have a lot on their plate, and knowing the ins and outs of each hybrid is a lot to handle. A knowledgeable agronomist helps the farmer wade through technical data and make informed hybrid decisions.

Experience

When a great agronomist walks into a field, their intuition takes over. Sharpened by years of intentional experience, they immediately understand what issues a crop may face. They’ve been there before. They’re familiar with the situation. They know what guidance to give the grower.

Curiosity

The agronomic landscape is constantly changing. As known diseases' footprints shift and new diseases and issues arise, researchers and seed developers continually release new data, strategies, and tools to help farmers combat pests. A great agronomist is curious and constantly seeks more knowledge. They are a lifelong learner who strives to understand new information better so they can better serve farmers. Understanding the changes in the agronomic landscape and the new “best practices” allows agronomists to give sound advice to the grower.

Tech-savvy

Let’s face it — farming looks different now than it did even 20 years ago, technology is constantly advancing at extreme rates. In this information age, the tools available to farmers were unimaginable just a few short years ago. 

Precision agriculture dominates the industry and allows farmers to harness technology and produce more with less. An expert agronomist stays up on the latest technology, knows when to use which tools, and uses that knowledge to help their customers.

While there are a variety of agronomic and crop production apps available to agronomists today, one example is the Take Action suite of tools that help with control of herbicide, fungicide and insect resistance. There are also numerous planting and yield calculators available from extension services and input companies.

Service

A reliable agronomist focuses on farmers. When farmers need assistance, they need it soon because their bottom line is on the line. Reliable agronomists are available to help when called and are dedicated to offering sound advice and finding the correct answers. The pursuit of problem-solving never ends, and if a solution is ever elusive, “I don’t know” is quickly followed by, “But I’ll find out.”

Follow-Through

Customer focus must be more than just lip service. An agronomist proves their trustworthiness when they follow up a promise with results. During planting season, growing season and harvest season, farmers need help in the moment. A long delay in an agronomist’s follow-up could result in a big financial hit, so a great agronomist follows through with their commitments.

Empathy

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — farming is hard. Being able to relate to the challenges a farmer faces is the mark of a great agronomist. The challenges farmers face can be overwhelming, and simply knowing that they’ve got a teammate in their corner can help mentally and practically lighten the load. Understanding a farmer’s situation and treating a field like it’s their own makes an agronomist a reliable partner you can count on.

Dedication

A reliable agronomist is dedicated — to the job, to the industry, and most of all, to the farmer. Short nights and long days are a farmer’s norm during those extra-busy seasons, and a top-tier agronomist will keep a similar schedule. Being ready to help when the farmer needs it most is vital to the grower’s operation. On call whenever needed, a great agronomist is dedicated to a farmer’s success.

All year, you work hard to produce the food and fuel products the world needs. You deserve to work with an agronomist who is equally committed to your success. 

That’s what you get with LG Seeds — dependable, reliable and trustworthy agronomists. No nonsense. No excuses.