By Jennifer Whitlock
Field Editor
Agronomists and other agronomic professionals play a key role in supporting farmer success in the field.
To recognize those professionals, DEKALB®, Asgrow® and Deltapine® brands are hosting the fifth annual National Agronomy Week April 5-9.
“The science of agronomy and the agronomists who bring that science to life are vital to our industry,” Pete Uitenbroek, DEKALB®, Asgrow® and Deltapine® seed brands lead, said. “So, during Agronomy Week 2021, our brands will be sharing world-class agronomic advice and education, as well as recognizing those commendable professionals who have contributed so much to the advancement of this field.”
Agronomists include seed dealers, university extension agents and researchers, salespeople and anyone else serving in a supporting role to help farmers make crop decisions throughout the year, Uitenbroek said in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network.
“Agronomy Week is an industrywide salute to those who help farmers to really drive success of their crops each year. And this year, we’re adding something new, the Agronothon, a live television event. During the Agronothon, in addition to some entertainment and educational content, we’ll provide growers the opportunity to call in and have their agronomy questions answered live on air by some of our technical agronomists,” Uitenbroek said. “It’s a great opportunity for folks to tune in, get some information and have their questions answered. But the really cool part about it is, for every question that’s answered live during the Agronothon, DEKALB®, Asgrow® and Deltapine® will donate $100 to FFA scholarships for agronomy students.”
The Agronothon will air live on RFD-TV Thursday, April 8, from 9-11 p.m. CST.
Uitenbroek noted DEKALB®, Asgrow® and Deltapine® will donate $10 for every farmer question submitted throughout the week at AgronomyWeek.com or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #Agronothon.
Farmers do not have to use DEKALB®, Asgrow® or Deltapine products to participate, he added.
“Agronomy Week is truly intended to be an industrywide celebration, and we encourage farmers to participate not only to recognize their agronomic professionals but also to help support scholarships for the next generation of agronomists,” he said.
Click here for more information on Agronothon scholarships and to submit questions.