At last week’s BASF Crop Protection innovation symposium, I had the chance to meet some of the growers who help BASF learn what they need to get the most out of every acre.

Scott Parr, a potato and vegetable farmer from Wisconsin, says he was invited to served on the BASF Grower Advisory Panel in 2011. “When you first went, you thought you’re going to get sold something and they really turned that around,” Scott said. While he was pleased to be able to provide input toward BASF product development, Scott says it was a great learning experience for him as well.

Listen to my interview with Scott here: Scott Parr, Wisconsin farmer

Iowa farmer Jay Drees says he’s one of the smallest farmers on the panel. “But we all seem to have the same concerns,” he said, adding that he is encouraged by the new products coming such as more drought resistant corn and treatments to help the ground hold more water, as well as new sites of action for resistant weeds.

Listen to my interview with Jay here: Jay Drees, Iowa farmer

Mike Cox is a corn and soybean farmer from Indiana really enjoyed the grower symposium in Ft. Lauderdale and interacting with fellow producers from around the country and learning more about tools to help him produce more every year. “We like to do a good job and it takes continuous education and effort to make that happen,” said Mike.

Listen to my interview with Mike here: Mike Cox, Indiana farmer

These growers, like all of the 275 who attended the BASF event, are always looking to do better every year. Watch for profiles of them on PrecisionPays.com.