Agronomist

Don Wentz

Farming came naturally to me. I was raised on a mixed fourteen hundred and forty acre farm in Alberta. As I grew I began to share in the farm work and became a member of the local 4-H Grain Club. My education was directed toward the development of the practical agricultural skills required to own and operate the family farm. A diploma in agricultural mechanics was the first step. My education continued and I completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science while still being involved with the family farm. A couple of years later I joined Alberta Agriculture working in the area of irrigation management. I enjoy working with farmers. One of the farmers commented to me when I started this position "I hope you stay awhile, I’m getting sick and tired of training you guys”. I stuck with Alberta agriculture and went on to finish my Master's degree in Agriculture. This gave me valuable training in program management techniques that I would use extensively throughout my career. Self-study is a valuable way to learn the information you need to stay on top of changes in the agriculture industry. I read manuals and handbooks as well as Internet based documents. The Alberta Institute of Agrologists is another excellent way to access professional development opportunities and network at conferences and workshops. Part of my work is to give presentations to agricultural groups and if you have to present it, you have to know it. All of these ways help to keep me current in the dynamic field of agriculture. I recently retired from my position at Alberta Agriculture but I still work as a reduced tillage agronomist on a contract basis. There are lots of opportunities out there for skilled people to contribute to the agriculture industry. Equipment companies, for example, want representatives who know agriculture and can speak about their environmentally friendly tillage machinery. Farmers are encouraged to learn about environmental approaches to farming because it is good for the land and economically beneficial overtime. They are able to see increased yields as the soil improves and reduced costs due to less machinery use. The agronomist profession is never repetitious or boring. The outdoors, variety of work tasks and the wonderful people you meet every day contribute to this great occupation. If agronomy appeals to you, get the skills and education required and get in line for a job. There are many private companies looking for people to talk about their environmentally friendly products. Helping the environment is not a hard thing to sell to farmers. Most of my interaction is with farmers and other colleagues. During a typical 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. day I prepare and make presentations, do data processing and write reports. I also need the skills to operate farm machinery, survey, layout research plots and spray herbicides. A key function of my position is as a subject matter specialist speaker at seminars and conferences. Showing farmers environmentally friendly ways of farming is an interesting and enjoyable occupation. Helping farmers to grow alfalfa and grass in saline soil conditions is my greatest accomplishment. I was recognized by the Canadian Society of Agronomy in 2002 with a Distinguished Agronomist Award. The best reward for me though is knowing that my efforts are benefiting the environment and helping to sustain the farming culture I grew up with.