What is an Agronomist?
Career overview
Agronomists have a variety of duties in the field and are considered the link between crop researchers and farmers.
They primarily work with the care of crops used for land reclamation, fuel and food preparation.
They are able to make suggestions for farmers based on scientific research to help keep the crop healthy to harvest.
What does an agronomist do?
To get more specific about the first section, agronomists spend time running experiments to find the best ways of maximizing crop production.
Crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat and more. They also spend time analyzing the data from each harvest so the next generation can be even better.
Besides worrying about production, that also means protecting crops from everything that can ruin them.
Things like:
- Pests
- Harsh climates
- Disease
- Weeds
This means coming up with plans of action based on the data and meeting with farmers. There’s also different ways that they can specialize further, like working in research, sustainable development, crop production, and soil and water conservation.
Other responsibilities an agronomist can have:
- Working with budgets related to agronomic costs
- Analyze crop claim issues
- Guaranteeing that all applications are done with the right weather conditions
- Soil sampling fields
- Document the specialty products and fertilizers, chemicals and seeds for reports
- Work with labs and suppliers
How to become an agronomist
The best route to becoming an agronomist is for college students to major in agronomy or a related field.
The CCA certification listed below is also important to get and keep up to date.
This is enough to get started and learn on the job, but if you plan on doing research a master’s degree is recommended.
Agronomy certifications
- Certified Professional Soil Scientist/Classifier (CPSS and CPSC)
- Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg)
- Certified Crop Adviser (CCA)
Work opportunities
Agronomists have a lot of different opportunities when it comes to work choices.
They can work for colleges, environmental organizations, research firms, medium to large farm operations, seed production companies, government agencies, or crop protection companies.
Here are some common job titles for agronomists to have:
- Sales Agronomist
- Research Associate
- Agronomy Custom Applicator
- Viticulture Technology Specialist
- Crop consultant
- Crop manager
Professional Agronomy associations and organizations
A day in the life of an agronomist
An agronomist is a professional who specializes in the science of crop production and soil management. Their job is to help farmers optimize their crop yields and ensure that they are producing crops in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Here is what a typical day in the life of an agronomist might look like.
Morning
The day for an agronomist often starts early, with a review of crop and weather data to determine what tasks need to be accomplished for the day. They may also spend time on the phone or email with farmers, discussing crop conditions, pest management, and other issues that need attention.
Mid-Morning
As the day progresses, the agronomist may visit farms to inspect crops and provide advice to farmers. This may involve taking soil and tissue samples, analyzing them in a laboratory, and then providing recommendations on fertilizer or other inputs that are needed to improve crop yields.
The agronomist may also meet with farmers to discuss planting schedules, irrigation needs, and pest control measures. They may also offer advice on crop rotation plans, cover crops, and other strategies that can improve soil health and reduce the risk of crop loss due to pests or other environmental factors.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, the agronomist may continue to work with farmers or spend time in the office. They may use this time to analyze data and update crop management plans, or to prepare reports and presentations for clients or colleagues.
They may also attend meetings or conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest research in crop production and soil management. This can help them to stay informed of the latest trends and technologies, which they can then share with their clients.
Evening
As the day comes to a close, the agronomist may review their notes from the day and make plans for the following day. They may also spend time networking with other professionals in their field, or attending industry events to meet with potential clients.
Being an agronomist requires a deep understanding of crop production and soil management, as well as excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with farmers and other agricultural professionals.
By providing guidance and support to farmers, an agronomist can help to ensure that crops are produced sustainably and efficiently, contributing to the overall health and well-being of society.
Conclusion
Now you know what an agronomist is and what their day to day looks like.
They’re an essential part of any farm and knowing what agronomists do is very important to understand agriculture in general.