Ryan Holbert, Seed Sales Consultant Deane Robinson Seed Company
Ryan Holbert was unsure of what his future held, until he worked on a farm in Stuttgart. It was there where he learned what agriculture was really about.
Holbert attended Arkansas State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in agribusiness. He made many connections there, which he says were every bit as important as his degree.
As a student, Holbert worked for Deane Robinson Seed Company (Deane). He also worked as an intern with Monsanto, where he managed replant claims. His internship opened many new opportunities and helped him meet new people across Arkansas.
Holbert currently works as a seed sales consultant for Deane, advising farmers on the best seed variety for their generation.
“Our farmers wear so many different hats,” Holbert said. “Our job is more critical than ever. The chemical guy, the fertilizer guy, the banker. They all depend on us to make their living”
They are busiest in the spring, as they treat seed and deliver products to the grower. In the summer, Holbert spends his time in the field, scouting test plots to determine which varieties will be sold during the next growing season. Once fall rolls around, Holbert gathers yield information to report to growers.
“It’s a key part in their operation whenever we pick out seed varieties,” he said. “Because the right product has to go in the right acre, and it’s critical that we help those guys really figure out the placement of the seed.”
Holbert enjoys what he does, but ultimately, it’s about the relationships with the growers for him.
“It’s really a blessing. It’s a unique industry by far,” he said.
He encourages any student to look at the career possibilities in agriculture.
“You really have two objectives: you have to have a good work ethic and you gotta have your goals set. From there I think you’re pretty unstoppable.”
To learn more about career opportunities in agriculture, click here.
To find college majors in agriculture and salary information, visit MyMajors.com.