Larry Wagner

Company

South Dakota State University Extension

Job Title

Agronomy Crops Field Specialist

Location

Sioux Falls, SD, USA

Are you a Master or a Maverick?

I am a Master, but a Maverick “Wannabe” at heart. I have a long career in the agriculture industry and have a very good understanding of the science of agricultural crop production. The Maverick in me is the need to be part of the incredible advancements in Precision Farming.

What about your occupation makes you proud?

My position as an Extension Field Specialist has given me the opportunity to work with the greatest producers of food, fiber, and energy in the world. I'm proud to be part of the action. The thing that sets me apart is the will to keep learning. I never want to quit!

What advancement in technology do you foresee in the next 10-20 years?

I see the science of Precision Farming becoming the focus of all agriculture. I also see the concept of sustainability being primary goal of the entire industry.

What would you say to policy makers if you had the chance?

Wake up! What really matters is feeding the people. Norman Borlaug's mantra was that nations that have food, have the best chance at peace. Policy makers need to realize that: “Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that caused them.” (Albert Einstein)

How can producers better connect with consumers?

In the early years of the Land Grant College Extension system, the Extension Agents taught farm youth the concepts of productive agriculture. They took the training to their parents. The youth became the present and the future of agriculture. Producers will need to teach the youth of those not involved in production. They will be the future.

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