Get to know our Precision Technology Agronomists!
By now maybe you’ve seen the Agronomically Speaking series we’ve featured here on the blog. These are posts that are focused on agronomic topics and are written by our in-house staff – largely our two Precision Technology Agronomists, Chad Swindoll and Barry Anderson. These faces will likely become familar to you at speaking events, dealer trainings and field days. Here’s a chance to get to know them a little better. Have an agronomy question for them? Let us know in the comments!
Precision Technology Agronomist – Emerging Markets
Chad focuses on markets and crop production systems outside of the Corn Belt. Previously the Mid-South Territory Manager, Chad brings to the role a well-rounded perspective on how precision farming technologies provide effective solutions to real-world agronomic issues that farmers face every day. Chad leads field research along with Barry by working closely with influential producers, dealers, educators, and researchers. Using information collected from our field trials, he works with internal departments to enhance the message and positioning of current and future products. His knowledge of farming is based on hands-on experience working in the family farming operation in the Mississippi Delta region growing corn, cotton, rice, soybeans, and wheat. Chad attended Mississippi State University where he obtained a Meteorology degree and GIS/Remote Sensing Certification in 2011. He is husband to Edna, and father to three wonderful children at his home in Sumner, MS. Chad’s passion is serving Jesus, his family, and agriculture. He also serves as the recipient of all the weatherman and southerner jokes his coworkers can think of.
Precision Technology Agronomist – Corn Belt
Barry brings to the team 15 years of experience and knowledge across agricultural R&D, technical agronomic and crop production practices, sales, and precision farming. Barry has extensive experience in training agronomics, ag software, and relationship building. He most recently served as the Senior Agronomist for Healthy Food Ingredients out of Fargo, ND and has held multiple technical agronomy and precision farming focused positions with West Central, LLC (now owned by CHS, Inc.) and DuPont Pioneer.
Barry hails from Nebraska and holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Nebraska. He continues to be passionate about and heavily involved in National and State FFA organizations, having served as the President of the National FFA Alumni Association along with serving on the board of both the Nebraska and Iowa FFA Foundation. Along with his many personal and professional accomplishments, Barry is a Certified Crop Advisor, is a recipient of an Honorary American Farmer Degree and Honorary State FFA Degrees from Minnesota and Nebraska, and is involved in several professional agricultural associations.
In his free time, Barry enjoys spending time with his family, walking with his wife, Melanie, and other outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, boating, bicycling and running, to mention a few.