AGRONOMIC
SUPPORT

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TO THE FIELD

20 Mar 2024

What Makes a Good Agronomist Great

“No man is an island.” That classic quote still resonates in agriculture because no one farms alone.

Behind every successful farm is a strong team, and among the most critical players is the agronomist. This trusted partner isn’t just a crop expert; they're a boots-on-the-ground advisor, a communicator, and a problem-solver committed to the farmer’s success from pre-planting to post-harvest.

With more than 12,000 monthly searches for “agronomist,” it’s clear growers are looking for guidance. But what separates a good agronomist from a great one? Here’s what to look for.

Local Knowledge and Expertise

An exceptional agronomist brings more than textbook knowledge, they understand the unique soils, weather patterns, pest pressures, and microclimates that define your region.

They can answer questions like:

  • What hybrids perform best on variable soil types?

  • How does that late spring frost affect nitrogen availability?

  • When’s the right time to scout for tar spots in your part of the Corn Belt?

It’s that combination of education and localized, in-field experience that ensures timely, tailored recommendations. This is the type of expert that contributes to early-season strategies recommended by agronomists and makes a measurable impact on your ROI.

Communication and Connection

Strong communication isn’t optional, it’s essential. A great agronomist is someone who explains complex data in plain terms and makes themselves available when you need them most.

They’re more than just a voice on the phone. They’re the person who’s walked your fields with you, someone who follows up after a field visit, and who remembers your operation’s challenges year after year.

This kind of trusted agronomist advice builds long-term value into your operation.

Knowledge of Agronomics and Hybrids

When your livelihood depends on every acre, you want someone who knows seed traits, disease resistance, planting populations, and nutrient interactions inside and out.

An agronomist’s job is to simplify your decision-making. They know what hybrids thrive in drought-prone fields, which products to pair with no-till practices, and how to design cropping systems with yield and soil health in mind. The best agronomists offer strategic planting decisions guided by agronomists that help optimize inputs and yield.

Technological Proficiency

Modern farming is data-driven. The best agronomists embrace it.

From precision ag platforms and yield maps to drone imagery and NDVI analysis, a great agronomist uses technology to:

  • Spot issues before they’re visible

  • Recommend in-season nutrient applications

  • Validate seeding rates and variable-rate prescriptions

When agronomists pair tech tools with agronomic intuition, they deliver better insights and stronger results. Whether it’s monitoring soil sensors or leveraging satellite imagery for scouting, they bring efficiency to every acre.

Service, Dedication, and Follow-Through

Availability matters. A great agronomist shows up when conditions are tough and answers when the pressure’s on.

They offer real solutions when time is short, and if they don’t know something, they find out. That’s the level of service farmers expect when it’s time to make fast decisions about managing nitrogen levels with expert advice or responding to disease pressure.

They follow through. Not next week, now.

Empathy and Problem-Solving

Farming is demanding, and having an agronomist who understands that is invaluable. The best agronomists treat every field like it’s their own and every grower like a partner.

They listen first, provide practical advice, and keep your success front and center. It’s this empathy that sets apart the agronomist you rely on from the one you simply hire.

Summary: What Makes an Agronomist Exceptional?

  • Local expertise and regional insight

  • Clear, timely communication

  • In-depth knowledge of hybrids and practices

  • Tech-savviness with actionable insights

  • Reliable service and field presence

  • Empathy and commitment to the grower

  • Follow-through on every promise

Work with Agronomists Who Bring More to the Table

Your operation deserves more than average support. It deserves expert agronomic support that delivers.

Connect with an LG Seeds agronomist today to get the insights, tools, and dedication you need to make every season more successful.

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