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Name: Iain Anderson
Job Title: Agronomist
No of years in the business: Two
Region: Tayside / Perth



Tell us about your role, what do you do?

I’m an Agronomist in the Tayforth team, working in Perthshire, Fife and Angus. The main crops I look after are Potatoes, Cereals and some OSR. I’m also responsible for the Fife iFarm site – one of our R&D Trials sites. During the winter months, I help to deliver the Tayforth and Angus NROSO Sprayer Operator courses.


How did you get started in the industry? 
I grew up on a family farm so farming is definitely in the blood. After leaving Uni, I worked in Field Trials before moving to Syngenta. I spent a good 9 years in various local and then national roles here, before embarking on a new challenge as an Agronomist.


What has been the highlight of your career with Agrii so far? 
Success in the YEN competition with Fife Grower – highest Yield in Scotland – using a fully serviced programme.


What is the biggest challenge you face in your role and why?
Weather would be the easy answer, but really it’s the condensed window for seed processing. Although we always find a way and never leave an order incomplete, the pressures in our busy months can cause tensions internally and externally. It’s my job to make sure that our operators and staff feel supported in those high-stress moments.


Any advice for people looking to get started in the industry?
Get as much in-field experience as you can. Agronomy is ever-changing and nature is usually one step ahead of us, so it is key to get out in the field as much as possible, as you cannot rely on things being the same as last year or even last week!


What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role and why?
The weather! Growers are pretty resilient to our changeable weather, but as Farms grow larger (and fewer) there is huge pressure on getting things done in the tight weather windows. As a result, it puts pressure on the Agronomy decision being right.


In one word or a short sentence, how would you describe being an employee of Agrii?
Never a dull moment!


Fun Fact about yourself?
I used to work with Olives in Italy and Oranges in Spain.

Take us through a day in your life.

Time of Year: Winter Season