Meet Paul Craig: AgSource Director of Agronomy Sales & Services
Paul joined AgSource in August as our new Director of Agronomy Sales & Services, bringing just over two decades of experience from a local co-op, where he worked his way up from agronomist to General Manager. Outside of work, he stays busy on his own farm — farming, cutting wood, and hunting. We sat down with him to learn more about his path into agronomy and what he’s bringing to the role.
What’s your background in agronomy, and what led you to this field?
My path started on the family farm, which led to an interest in soils and a degree in Soil Science. While in college, I had summer internships with my local NRCS office, and I worked in the Portage County office during my senior year. From there, I spent just over two decades at a local co-op, working from agronomist up to general manager. I’ve had the best time of my career working with farmers, and this position is a continuation of that.
What drew you to AgSource?
The draw to AgSource was the opportunity to return my focus to the farm and work with other professionals in the ag industry. A focus of mine while searching for a new position was that I wanted to work for a company that brings ROI to the farm, and AgSource does this every day — through soil sampling, NMPs, scouting, and more.
What does your role as Director of Agronomy Sales & Services mean for AgSource’s clients?
Early on, my take was this: the goal of this role is to bring all of the agronomy team members’ skillsets together to be more efficient in how AgSource implements and executes sales and services, creating a better, more unified offering to our customers.
What experience are you bringing to this role that clients might find relevant?
My experience ranges from my own farm background, my work with NRCS, and my ag retail experience. At the end of the day, I have a perspective that ranges from conservation to production, and finding a way to bring those things together in the best interest and profitability of the farm has always been one of my goals.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give clients about getting more value from soil or manure testing?
Sampling and testing are the tools that let you do the job right. No one wants to go to work without the right tools — testing is no different.
Is there a trend in agronomy right now that you think clients should be paying attention to?
Inputs generally don’t decrease in agriculture — whether it’s seed, pesticides, crop nutrition, fuel, or equipment, the associated costs keep going up. That’s why soil testing and NMPs are so important. Every producer should be seeking the most profitable and effective way to create their end product.
What are you excited about or looking forward to doing in this role?
I look forward to getting to know the people, both staff and customers.
Welcome to AgSource, Paul!
