As AI tools take on more of the data work, farmers will still need trusted and local-facing advice to turn those recommendations into decisions that work in their fieldsw
Tag Archives agronomist
How AI is changing on-farm agronomy and decision-making
The new digital tools are getting better at turning farm data into recommendations — but turning those into results still depends on local knowledge
Editor’s Note: Last call for CEU credits through GrowPro
It’s that time of year, when farmers and everyone around them become consumed by seeding. I hope you find time to page through this issue in between everything else you do. We’ve got three articles that have been approved for continuing education (CEU) credits. But don’t tarry, as we’ll be discontinuing the credits after June […] Read more
Evaluating new tech, products and practices
There is always something new around the corner, so how do crop consultants filter out the noise and arrive at a reliable recommendation for their clients?
With new products, new production practices and new technology converging in the agriculture industry at a frenetic pace, independent agronomists and crop advisors try to sort the wheat from the proverbial chaff as they advise clients on what might or might not work on an individual farm. Not only has the pace of introducing new […] Read more
Having those tough conversations
A veteran agronomist, speaking at the recent Manitoba Agronomists Conference, offers advice on how to handle difficult discussions with clients
There is perhaps no bigger challenge for an agronomist than having a tough but frank conversation with a farmer client. You won’t get any argument on that count from Ron Tone. He founded Tone Ag Consulting in 1996, following a 17-year career as a farmer. His independent agricultural consulting firm specializes in damage claims, crop […] Read more
What are you doing with my information?
Agronomy and the Law: Are you prepared to answer that question from a farming client?
With the increasing development and usage of precision agriculture and technological advances in the agriculture industry, farmers are experiencing huge increases in productivity, efficiency and profitability. These innovations include the industry’s development of software applications to manage farm data, sensors on implements, drones, precision machinery and GPS technology, to name a few. With this rise […] Read more
Rethinking weed management
Not every weapon against herbicide resistance comes out of a sprayer
Farmers up against herbicide-resistant weeds need to rethink their cropping systems and add more angles in their approach to long-term weed control. This advice came from Dr. Drew Lyon of Washington State University during his presentation at the Manitoba Agronomists’ Conference in December. While Lyon’s discussion primarily focused on integrated weed management (IWM) in dryland […] Read more
Agronomy and the Law: Be careful what you recommend
Recommending various herbicides, fungicides and pesticides to farmer and ag-retail clients is an important aspect of an agronomist’s role. These recommendations must be tailored to each grower’s fields in an economically viable manner and, in the case of pesticides, recommendations and the usage and storage thereof, must be within the law. In fulfilling your duty […] Read more
Be wary when asked about spraying with drones
Farmers may ask for advice, but answering may get you in hot water
It could happen anytime. As drone fever sweeps across Western Canada, a farmer is eventually going to ask an agrologist or crop advisor to teach them how to spray pesticides with drones. What do you do? Igor de Albuquerque advises extreme caution. “If the product in question does not include drone usage on its label, […] Read more
Agronomist looks to give back to industry
Elliott Hildebrand sees a future for more intercropping and plant root simulator probes
Like many kids who grow up on the farm, Elliott Hildebrand fell in love with agriculture when he was a child. When there wasn’t an opportunity to work on the farm as an adult, he pursued the next best thing — agronomy. Now he has his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in agronomy from the […] Read more
Soil health training served on TAP for Prairie agronomists
North Dakota's Trusted Advisor Partnership (TAP) program coming north to Manitoba, Saskatchewan
A program designed to provide agronomists with practical soil health knowledge — and a peer sharing network on the subject — will soon be establishing roots in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The Canadian Prairies Trusted Advisor Partnership (TAP) plans to launch its first cohort of about 15 agronomists in January 2025. It will serve as a […] Read more