Joe Guzman, Regional Agronomist at Equinom, covers a very different but equally exciting crop – sesame. Joe works with grain handlers to advance the production of Smarter Sesame – a specially developed variety with enhanced nutritional profiles and optimal farming output. With this, Joe oversees around 50 commercial Smarter Sesame fields. Covering locations across western Oklahoma and north Texas, Joe supports farmers who plant, grow, and harvest Smarter Sesame. “I visit many fields to ensure we give the grower the best solutions to optimize their acre. I oversee the crops being planted, ensuring a good emergence stand, and assist with harvesting when the time comes” explains Joe. In addition, Joe also monitors 15 R&D trial sites intended the continued development of Smarter Sesame.

Also advancing America’s favorite bun topping is Rodrigo Franklin, Equinom’s additional Agronomist focused on Smarter Sesame. Rodrigo assists farmers throughout the entire growing process, from checking the seeds on the ground, all the way up to the harvest. Covering regions across south Texas, Rodrigo oversees around 20,000 acres of Smarter Sesame. For Rodrigo, a career in agronomy was evident. “When I was two years old, I moved with my family to a farm where my father grew sorghum and corn. Naturally, I followed in footsteps and pursued a career as an agronomist” says Rodrigo. “I enjoy being out in the field, working with crops, managing different sites and most importantly, helping farmers get the most out of their crop”

Chris Schupp has spent his entire career at the farm gate and retail levels of production row crop agriculture. During his career, Chris has amassed extensive experience in grain merchandising and retail agronomy having managed grain and agronomy locations at Cargill. Chris also possesses a deep knowledge of the seed industry having spent many years in commercial seed businesses at both Cargill and Dow. Chris holds a degree in Ag Economics from the University of Missouri and is also a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) with the American Society of Agronomy.