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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 4, 2022
(BROOKINGS, SD) – AgSpire is committed to amplifying the implementation of positive land use practices through hands-on, customized plans with farmers and ranchers. As of November 1, AgSpire doubled their team, bringing on four individuals with vast experiences and a wide range of connections to help farmers and ranchers, as well as corporations and businesses, achieve their environmental and sustainability goals.
“AgSpire exists to advance adoption and implementation of climate-smart practices that benefit both the producer and corporations. These four new teammates, in roles such as Grazing and Rangeland Advisor and Senior Conservation Agronomist, expand AgSpire’s expertise in conservation practices, and their networks allow us to connect farmers using those practices to companies looking to meet their supply chain sustainability goals,” said Aline DeLucia, CEO of AgSpire.
Dale Strickler is a Grazing and Rangeland Advisor with more than 30 years of experience in agronomy, pasture management, and soil and crop advising. Strickler uses his bachelor’s degree in science education and Agronomy, as well as his master’s degree in Agronomy, to develop highly effective grazing systems for numerous ranchers with a range of often challenging climates and soil types. He is the author of three books: The Drought Resilient Farm, Managing Pasture, and The Complete Guide to Restoring Your Soil, which was named a top ten farming book for 2021 by Modern Farmer.
Derek Ver Helst’s experience and education makes him an excellent fit for AgSpire’s Senior Conservation Agronomist role. Ver Helst has more than 15 years of experience working with landowners and corporate organizations to design, manage, and validate research trials, maximizing short and long-term crop outputs while protecting the integrity of the environment. He has a wide range of knowledge in soil fertility, agronomic chemistry, and pest and disease
management. Ver Helst boasts a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in botany, a master’s degree in agronomy, and is a Certified Crop Advisor.
Matthew Delbar joins the team as a Grazing and Rangeland Advisor, and he brings a deep understanding of managing and restoring rangeland ecosystems throughout the United States. His experience as a rangeland management specialist with the USDA-NRCS in California, and degree in rangeland conservation and agricultural economics, is sure to benefit companies looking to connect with farmers to produce environmental benefits.
Christian Lovell joins AgSpire as a Project Manager with nearly a decade of experience working on federal agricultural policy in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Lovell was legislative director at the bipartisan National Governors Association where he oversaw federal advocacy and advised Governor’s and their staff on agricultural, rural, and environmental policies. Lovell will put his agricultural economics degree from Texas A&M to use collaborating with farmers, policy makers and corporations.