Agronomist

Enhance food product quantity and quality with an agronomist on your staff
By Elizabeth Gibson The farming industry can take advantage of the services of an agronomist, who specializes in soil science, as well as using plants for food, fuel, feed and fibers. In today's world, an agronomist may study how to grow healthier food, how to increase crop yield, how to use plants for biofuels and how to lower environmental impact. They may also have expertise in crop rotation, irrigation or pest control.

Other businesses keep an agronomist on staff. Wineries need someone to study soil types and climates to raise wine grapes. Ranchers who also raise feed for their stock may employ an agronomist to produce low cost feed for their animals. Laboratories conduct experiments on using crop waste, in particular corn, to create fuel. An agronomist provider uses their expertise to teach others in the field. Government agencies employ specialists in this area too.

Decide if an agronomist is right for your business:

1. Study what benefits an agronomist can bring,

2. Keep informed on developments in the field of agronomy,

3. Decide if you want to hire direct or contract with a consultant and

4. Choose from available agronomists.

Determine if an agronomist can help your business

Universities and governmental agencies employ agronomists to study various aspects of growing crops. Research facilities also use agronomists to conduct experiments in various agricultural areas. The general public benefits from the work of an agronomist because of improvements generally made in foods available for purchase.
Try:  The U.S. Department of Agriculture describes how agronomy has improved crop yield. The Corn and Soybean Digest lists reasons for hiring an agronomist. Agrium explains how agronomic applications can improve profitability of your business.

Stay current on trends and advances in agronomy

Various organizations exist to provide information on the field of agronomy. Some specialize in a particular aspect of agronomy, while others provide general information.
Try:  Purdue University compiles news about advances and changes in the field of agronomy. iCORN.com offers agronomist information as well as a newsletter available by electronic subscription.

Decide whether to use an in-house staff member or hire an agronomist consultant

Depending on the size and budget of your business, you may wish to hire permanent staff or take the option of hiring someone only when needed. Since universities are offering more degree plans in the agronomy field, it's becoming easier to hire agronomists either full time or on a temporary basis, as needed.
Try:  The American Society of Agronomy provides certification for agronomists. Hiring a person who has such certification ensures that person meets professional and ethical standards set by the society. Companies such as Ag1Source can help you look for and recruit the best candidates for your business. Find agronomist consultants at Wilco, which fulfills your agricultural needs including orchard monitoring, soil testing and herbicide application. Crop Production Services provides agronomic services, including soil sampling, week and pest control and custom spreading.

Find an agronomist list of services to meet your needs

Agronomy covers many aspects of farming and ranching. Agronomists have varied specialties, and there are even experts in agronomy forensics.
Try:  JurisPro provides a service in which agricultural experts can provide expert witness testimony. Science Societies (American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Social Science Society of America) maintains a database of professional agronomists that businesses can hire.

• Though the agronomist field is expanding, graduates have limited choices for employment. Most hire on with research institutions or governmental agencies. Applicants must have strong humanitarian leanings to attempt this field, since for-profit business opportunities remain few, although there's a demand for qualified agronomists, land managers and crop advisors.