MID-COUNTY AGRONOMY
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An expert in his field
Mid-County agronomist Joe Forner’ s field of expertise is... well, fields.
His 17 years at the co-op have been filled with diagnostic soil testing, crop consulting, variable-rate technology analysis, and much more.
He can answer all types of production questions, and he enjoys giving farmers the tools and information they need to be successful.
“ When I started here, I was still going to school, so I’ d help in the summers,” said Joe, who has a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Minnesota.
Joe grew up on a dairy farm near Chaska, where his family milked about 100 cows.
“ I wanted to stay in the agricultural field,” he said, adding that he was also interested in the business and science aspects of farming.
When Joe originally joined Mid- County Coop, he worked as an applicator and helped with the agronomy department.
He took over as agronomist a few years later.
Now, he enjoys teaching others about his work. People studying agriculture, biology, or a related degree often intern in the agronomy department.
“ If a college student – or a senior in high school who is interested in studying agriculture – would like to intern, they can contact me,” said Joe, who can be reached at( 952) 466- 3730.
Joe’ s job involves a variety of outdoor and indoor tasks. Sometimes, he’ s advising farmers on seed placement, nutrient management, and farm plans. Other times, he’ s driving through a field with a four-wheeler, collecting soil samples.
Soil sampling is done throughout the summer and fall, but Joe said that May and June are ideal times, because the
www. midcountycoop. com
Joe Forner
crop is still small.
Joe’ s position also involves a great deal of computer work. Special software allows him to turn soil samples into useful information that can help farmers maximize productivity.
“ The program we use for grid sampling and variable rate applications is flexible, and it can be modified to meet our needs,” he said.
Planted & Growing
Doug Kraska
Joe Forner
SEED SALES
Scott Nelson
Providing Quality Agronomy Products & Services
With Honesty • Integrity • Value
• Crop Protection
• Nutrient Management
• Crop Consulting
• Plant Food, Anhydrous, Lime, & VRT
• Turfs & Pasture Management • Producers, Croplan, Asgrow, Dekalb,
• Grid Sampling
NK Hybrids, & Stine
• Custom Anhydrous Application • Yield Mapping
( 952) 466-3730 www. midcountycoop. com