Garst Seed Company agronomist, Charles Scovill, has been named the first runner up in the Michigan Farm Bureau’s 2003 Excellence in Agriculture Award. The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes service to Michigan’s agricultural industry and are presented to individuals who don’t derive the majority of their income from farming.

“It was an honor to be recognized alongside many other individuals who aim to improve the agricultural industry through community involvement and education,” Scovill said.

Scovill works with growers across Michigan and northern Indiana as an agronomist for Garst Seed Company. As an agronomist, he has the opportunity to positively impact the bottom line of growers by helping them make agronomically sound management decisions. He also educates growers on insect and disease identification and management as well as the importance of routine scouting and soil sampling. These are all aspects that improve both the quality and quantity of crops harvested.

“I’m proud to be an active member of farm bureau because of the proactive leadership it takes in molding the future of agriculture in Michigan,” he said.

In addition to working for Garst Seed Company and being an active Michigan Farm Bureau member, Scovill is involved with the Farm Bureau Young Farmers group through his participation in the Policy Development Committee, the County Candidate Evaluation Committee, and the County Building Development Committee. He is also involved in his communities 4-H and FFA programs.

Along with his wife, Karen, they operate a small farm near Laingsburg, MI, where they grow alfalfa hay, maintain 27 breeding ewes and two rams and raise Hampshire and market-style Suffolk sheep.

With corporate and research headquarters in Slater, Iowa, Garst, along with PSA Genetics, AgriPro Wheat and Interstate Seeds are key components in Advanta’s worldwide seed technology network that includes research, development and breeding facilities in 14 U.S. states and in 26 countries around the globe. Together, Advanta is one of the top five seed companies in the world.