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, 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 seeds, 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, crop protection and seed portfolios
• 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, 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 as a Sales Agronomist:

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.

Future Job Market / Outlook

Good

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• National Agri-Marketing Association
• Soil Science Society of America
• National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants
• American Society of Agronomy
• Committee for Sustainable Agriculture
• Crop Science Society of America
• Weed Science Society of America
• American Society of Plant Biologists