Working in the crop protection industry for 25 years, Kurt has spent the last 13 working for BASF, utilizing experience in agronomy, application, and crop protection to support retailers and growers with training and recommendations, while also conducting product research and launching new innovations.

Orr, who farms with his wife, their son, and his parents, started using yield maps in 1998. They later adopted variable rate technology, starting with fertilizer, then planting, nitrogen applications, and more recently variable rate rootworm control. The Orrs also DNA test soil for rootworm pressures.

Since joining The Ohio State University in 2011, Shearer’s research has included development of methodologies and controls for metering and spatial application of crop production inputs; modeling agricultural field machinery systems; autonomous multi-vehicle field production systems; and strategies for deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in agriculture.

Sheldon’s career Ben’s career includes a variety of roles within the CNH Industrial family of brands, including business analyst, technology project manager for Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and technology marketing manager for the New Holland brand in North America. Ben recently joined Raven North America to lead their independent dealer network as sales manager for the United States and Canada.