What brought you into this line of work?
When I was young, my father farmed dryland maize on about 4ha near Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga. Every day after school, I would help him farm. At some point, I came to the realisation that, by doing so, I was also contributing to the family, and I wanted to continue to do so by studying agriculture. I went on to study agriculture at the University of Mpumalanga, where I specialised in plant production.
What would you like people to know about the work you do?
I wish people understood the vast amount of technology that is used to speed up processes to get a product ready for market. Not only does technology help our farmers in the field, but it also helps a lot behind the scenes during product development.
How would you describe what you do at Corteva?
I’m an advanced-phenotyping specialist, and my main responsibility is collecting and analysing multi-crop phenotypic and environmental data using drones and other phenotyping technologies. Our drone programme provides a different perspective on how our crops are performing, and gives our breeders the data they need to make certain decisions on product development.
If you could say anything to farmers or give them advice, what would it be? I would thank them for the work they do; at Corteva, we appreciate the opportunities we have to grow with you.
How does your work impact farmers?
Since I deal with genotyping and marker selection, my line of work usually has a direct impact on farmers in terms of yield increase and disease resistance. The aim is to help producers achieve higher yields through the use of products that are better adapted to their farming environments.
What brought you into this line of work, and Corteva specifically?
I have a personal connection to agriculture. My maternal grandfather was a farmer, and when I was a kid, I followed him everywhere, learning about farming along the way. It’s the main reason I joined Corteva.
What is the most surprising or interesting thing you have learnt about farming or farmers?
Farmers are more interested in stable hybrids, as they can easily predict their performance under varying environmental conditions, as opposed to hybrids that are only high-yielding under favourable conditions. This is interesting, because indeed the environment is constantly changing due to climate change, and breeding for stability is more fitting.
What would you like people to know about the work you do?
I work in an environment that is constantly in need of quick solutions, so I am compelled to use the latest technology to address the challenges that farmers face. Consequently, I am required to think critically about Corteva’s breeding strategies and operations to address the growing demand for food.
Tell us about a unique experience you’ve had on the job.
In the two years I have been with Corteva as a research equipment associate, I have been in numerous scenarios in which I have had to push myself beyond the elements of time and the ‘what-ifs’. Time and time again, as a team we have overcome obstacles that might otherwise have stopped our progress; teamwork and passionate dedication always help us overcome these challenges!
What would you like people to know about the work you do?
At Corteva, we strive for nothing short of excellence. Accuracy of data with regards to planting and harvesting involves dedication, preparation, commitment, and a love for what we do!
How would you describe what you do at Corteva?
I act as a link between Corteva and the regulatory authorities, to ensure that our products are manufactured and distributed in compliance with the appropriate legislation in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. I also help to obtain and maintain the approvals for possible pesticide products to allow for commercial product sales. In addition, I advise the field scientist, marketing, supply chain, and commercial functions about the regulations.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
What gets me excited is being part of a product’s early development stage and then seeing it reach the market for our farmers. This is all because of the successful registration of the product.
What does ‘keep growing’ mean to you?
It means being innovative and finding integrated solutions that help the growers achieve the best possible results. The world is constantly changing, and new challenges in agriculture are pushing us to find new and improved solutions.
If you could ask farmers anything, what would it be?
I would ask: “How do you keep track of everything?”
A farmer isn’t simply a jack-of-all trades; he or she is a master of all aspects of their business. They need to know about crops, machinery, financial planning, business, and so much more.
So my question should really be: “How do you do it all?” This leads me straight to the heart of Corteva: our purpose is to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume. We want to partner with our growers to support them and simplify their lives. In my role, I try to find integrated solutions by applying our technology to pest management in order to ensure sustainable food development and food security!
What’s is the best part of your work day?
It’s the end of the day, when I get to reflect on all the milestones we’ve achieved for the day.
Why did you want to work at Corteva?
I applied for a position at Corteva because it is the single biggest stand-alone multinational company that is 100% focused on agriculture. When I got the opportunity to join the company, I was incredibly grateful and beyond excited to be part of something so amazing.
How would you describe what you do at Corteva?
I am responsible for ensuring that our products comply with various standards, such as those set out by the International Organization for Standardization. In addition, I help with administration and the control of documents. My job also entails working with plant-variety-protection trials and all of the technical details that go along with that.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
I love that everything we do is well organised and conducted in accordance with a strict system. This fits me like a glove. The fact that Corteva is very goal-oriented is also wonderful, as it gives us clear direction.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
Being in research and development is a hands-on job that involves working sometimes in extreme environments. You often find yourself in greenhouses, cold rooms or being out in the field all day, and getting onto tractors to plant, but that is where the magic happens.
Just thinking about where I fit into the bigger picture of the success story of Corteva Agriscience, and what a massive contribution my team and I have – now that gets me excited!
What is the most surprising or interesting thing you have learnt about farming or farmers?
Farmers just never give up! Whether it is a good or a bad year, farmers just keep on doing what they do best … feeding the world!
What would you like people to know about your job?
I am involved in the development of crop-protection solutions that help farmers manage pests and diseases. The effective management of pests and diseases ensures enhanced crop quality and greater yields, which ultimately improves food security, as well as the farmers’ financial returns.
Corteva aims is to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume. How do you incorporate this philosophy into your life and work every day?
I do this by working closely with growers and developing solutions that match their specific needs through field-trial testing. We also conduct studies on crop-protection products that demonstrate the positive effect they have on the quality of a harvest or specific produce.
What is your greatest work achievement? How do you feel your work makes farming better in terms of crop yields, crop health safety, and sustainability, amongst others?
I believe that what we do here at Corteva brings much value to [help] make farming better. Some of what Corteva does includes continuous innovation to increase yields, reduce loss due to disease and insects, and increase overall quality. I would like to see farmers’ sustainability increase, while also helping to protect the environment.
What is something widely known in your field that people outside of it are likely not to know?
The actual, immense cost of developing a product from inception to commercialisation.
For more information, visit corteva.co.za.
