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INDIANAPOLIS — Taking complex agricultural research from concept to project to practical application in the field requires specials skills. To find those skills requires a search for professionals with a history of accomplishment.
The Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council announced that Dr. Scott Hutchins has joined their team to help Hoosier farmers get the most out of their checkoff research investments.
Hutchins has contracted to work with ISA and ICMC’s Sustainability and Value Creation teams. He has a vast amount of experience to share with Indiana farmers.
Most recently, Hutchins served as the deputy under secretary for the USDA’s Research, Education and Economics mission area, which includes the Agricultural Research Service, Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistics Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Office of the Chief Scientist.
Together these agencies have unique federal leadership responsibility to advance agriculture research, extension and education.
Hutchins is a board-certified entomologist and an adjunct professor of entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is a past president, fellow and honorary member of the Entomological Society of America.
Hutchins received his bachelor’s degree in entomology from Auburn University, a master’s degree in entomology from Mississippi State University and a doctorate of entomology from Iowa State University.
Hutchins joined USDA after retiring from the private sector where he served as the R&D leader for Dow AgroSciences, now Corteva Agriscience, following a variety of technical and leadership roles focused on agricultural innovation. He has been a resident of Indiana since 1990.
ISA and ICMC adopted a three-year strategic plan that is built on four strategic focus areas including Market Development, Sustainability, Value Creation and Producer Engagement.
Market Development, simply put, is working with partners to accelerate the demand for corn and soybeans that Hoosier farmers produce each year. Producer Engagement involves engaging them in programs that help improve their farming operation.
Sustainability describes the three-legged stool of sustainability — environmental, economic and community outreach. Value Creation is finding new markets and new uses for corn and soybeans through partnerships and research.
Hutchins will assist with the implementation of Sustainability and Value Creation objectives for ISA and ICMC. He will work with each organization’s board of directors and CEO Courtney Kingery to guide the research processes to reach discovery goals. Hutchins will also work with state, national and international partners to help reach Sustainability and Value Creation goals.
“I’m thrilled Dr. Hutchins will be joining our team to help shape the next generation of research for ISA and ICMC,” Kingery said. “His career shows his dedication to innovation, research and agriculture. His expertise and deep background are an extraordinary addition to our team, and he will serve Indiana farmers very well.”
Visit indianasoybean.com or incorn.org to follow updates on future research projects.