Cran Career Spotlight: Fertilizer and Crop Protection Sales
Overview:
A sales agronomist is responsible for providing expert advice and strategic agronomic insights to customers. They sell crop input products (e.g. fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, biologicals, seeds, etc.) as well as basic and specialized agronomy services. Sales agronomists maintain relationships with their customers so that they will continue using their company for business.
What responsibilities will I have:
Market and sell biologicals, fertilizers and crop protection products
Communicate new product offerings and pricing information to clients
Visit farms to visit new and existing customers
Manage and track inventory, bookings, completing claims and invoices
Arrange for product and service delivery dates
Gather marketing data and information on products, competitors and customers
Build and maintain customer relationships with emphasis on customer service
Follow industry news and stay informed about new products and research
Plan and develop customer crop plans, including fertility and crop protection
Negotiate and partner with producers to finalize contracts and achieve annual crop production goals
Analyze crop conditions and report on customer delivery based on these conditions
Scout fields and collect soil samples
What education and training is required:
A bachelor's degree in agronomy, horticulture, plant science, agriculture business, soil science, weed science, agricultural engineering or a related field. Some employers may require an additional certification as a Certified Crop Adviser.
To pursue a career in sales:
The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, statistics, business, mathematics, with a focus on science such as earth science, biology, botany, chemistry, plant science and biology.
Where can I work:
Sales agronomists are typically employed by seed companies, crop protection companies and cooperatives.
