What do agronomists wish farmers would ask for, or stop asking for, or understand better about their jobs? And how can farmers get the most out of their relationships with agronomists?
While ultimately the customer calls the shots, Country Guide asked a few Western Canadian consulting agronomists what they would like to see from their clients.
They said their wish lists include better communication, for clients not to be afraid to ask questions, not to hesitate to share data, and to communicate their goals and expectations.
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This series will provide insights from agronomists on how already good relationships and services might be made even better.
Larry Durand
Field Good Agronomics
Humboldt, Sask.
Having good lines of communication between the agronomist and the farmer client is the key to everything, says Larry Durand, owner of Field Good Agronomics at Humboldt, Sask.
“It’s a two-way street,” says Durand, who has been providing consulting services for more than 25 years. “I certainly need to keep in touch with clients and likewise they need to feel comfortable about keeping in touch with me — by phone, email, text or whatever works best for them.
“And don’t be afraid to ask questions. You develop a close relationship with clients and ultimately become friends, so I encourage them to always be asking questions. It is important that we challenge each other. I can challenge them on some of their decisions, and there is nothing better than when a client says, ‘Larry I don’t know if this idea of yours makes any sense. I don’t see anyone else doing this.’ By all means challenge me.”
Durand says with so many new products on the market, he urges clients to ask his opinion whether something is worthwhile. “I try to keep informed as best I can and will give my opinion,” he says. “And if I don’t know, I will tell them that, but then do my best to find some research or information so I can at least make an educated guess.”
If there are time constraints, or a question comes up about a practice that Durand is not familiar with he will bring in a third party to work with the farmer. “I’ll make sure the client’s needs are looked after,” he says.
