Occasionally, a grower may think he’s fixing one issue but there are additional problems that also need to be addressed. That’s where Chuck’s expertise and experience comes in. “If a grower tells me he’s going to invest in tiles for better drainage, the first thing that comes to my mind is that he’s probably got poorly drained soils,” says Chuck. “That then tells me I need to look at hybrids with better tolerance and a sturdier root structure.” It’s that kind of analytical thinking that makes Chuck an irreplaceable resource to the growers he helps every day. Chuck’s persistence and attention to detail also shine through in his hobby of building hot rod cars. “Most people walk up to a car like that and see a really cool machine. I look at one and immediately notice all the small parts and features that have to work together to make it run,” Chuck said with a laugh. “I guess that’s why I’m good at my job – I see things in the field other agronomists can’t.” Return to Corn Hybrid Insights