Harold Watters, GrowNextGen industry leader

I help farmers grow corn and soybeans. Working for Extension, my job is to bring new research and development ideas to Ohio producers from the Ohio State University. As a field specialist I work off campus and outside the Outerbelt (I-270) on farms and in fields. My research seeks to increase yields and provide nutrients to crops with reduced impact on the environment. I love continuing education and work regularly to see that the crop advisors to Ohio crop farmers are well trained.

What is the benefit of collaboration between industry and education?

As a university educator now, I have learned that not all ideas come from a book or in a class. The farm is a great classroom, too. I spent 20 years as an industry agronomist, working for BASF and Monsanto, and learned to appreciate what I could learn from farmers. Listening in both directions - between industry and education - is required for us all to understand where food comes from and where it goes.

What value/assistance can you and your company provide to teachers and classrooms as they connect with you?

I would love to sit with a teacher discussion group on production agriculture. I can help with lesson content, and a visit in person or by Skype to a class is OK too.

Why should teachers connect with you through GrowNextGen?

In my years with Extension and as industry agronomist, I have had experience with almost all aspects of crop production: working with plant breeders, marketing teams, as a teacher, to owning a small farm. I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for food production and the people who do the work.

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