1/21/2025 - By Mike Hess

One of the greatest benefits that we can offer our customers at Harrell’s is the invaluable resource that are our Directors of Agronomy and the wealth of knowledge and experience that they possess. For our Specialty Agriculture (Spec Ag) customers, your go-to guy is Dr. Tom Reed. This article will serve as an introduction to Dr. Tom so you can get to know a little bit more about his background, experience, and why he is such an invaluable resource to our team.

Dr. Reed's Spec Ag Education and Research Focus

Dr. Tom Reed has been involved in the agricultural industry for over 15 years in crop protection and nutrition across a variety of specialty and row crops. He first got his interest in the technical side of things while he was a student hourly working in agriculture research and extension programs at the University of Wisconsin. After earning his undergraduate degree in Biology and Environmental Sciences, Dr. Reed headed south to the University of Georgia to work on his Masters in Crop and Soil Sciences through his turfgrass weed management research.

Continuing his studies (and southern migration), Dr. Reed went to the University of Florida to earn his PhD in Horticultural Sciences, his research focused on strawberries and vegetables.

“Working at the universities and earning my graduate degrees helped me develop an appreciation of how and why products work in agriculture. This further developed into wanting to learn more about adoption and economics of tools to improve production that continues to this day,” said Dr. Reed.

Dr. Reed's Professional Experience in Spec Ag

Between his graduate education, Dr. Reed worked at a Syngenta corn breeding facility developing new varieties. More recently, he was with the UK-based Azotic Technologies Ltd. managing field research trial programs and handling US technical support to distributors and growers for a biological fertilizer product.

Why Dr. Reed Came to Harrell’s Spec Ag Division

Dr. Reed came to Harrell’s for many different reasons, but a few of the core that led him here are Harrell’s purpose, how they keep progressing, how Harrell’s takes care of customers and employees, and the people at Harrell’s who continually push the company forward. “I feel fortunate to be a part of that and it was a driving force behind my decision to work here.”

Dr. Reed's Spec Ag Plans for the Future

When it comes to Dr. Reed’s vision for Harrell’s and future products, he strongly believes in Harrell’s opportunity for growth in all markets, but especially in the specialty agriculture segment. A few short-term goals are to continue to grow POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer sales within Florida and the southeast US, and to develop an agricultural product portfolio to complement the already existing (and efficient) fertilizer programs. Harrell’s has the tools to help farmers optimize production and we have already seen this in action, so opportunity is abundant as we continue to expand.

Currently, he is focusing on expanding POLYON® use by farmers and its familiarity in agriculture. He is looking to grow research and education on controlled release fertilizer (CRF) for further adoption, all with an emphasis on specialty crops. Dr. Reed is also looking to further optimize POLYON® in different production systems as well as evaluate product offerings that will complement current programs.

What Dr. Reed Enjoys about Spec Ag and What He is Looking Forward to

Having a hand in food production in the US brings a certain fulfillment. “The variety of crops we have to work with keeps it interesting with new challenges and opportunities. The various production systems, growing regions, the mix of research and sales, field work and time in the office keeps me engaged and enjoying the work,” said Dr. Reed.

Dr. Reed is looking forward to progressing professionally as Harrell’s continues to expand, and he is looking forward to the specialty agriculture segment advancing into new territories and realizing its potential in current markets.

Connect with Your Harrell’s Rep

Have any more spec ag questions? Reach out to your local Harrell’s Representative, they are your best resource for the products, programs, and assistance you need. Connect with them today.