Todd Peterson studied plant science with us here in the Department of Horticulture & Crop Science (HCS) graduating with his master's degree focused on "Effects of High Intensity Management of Winter Wheat on Grain Yield, Straw Yield, Grain Quality, and Economic Returns" in 2021 under the advisement of Dr. Laura Lindsey. Today, he's Co-Owner of Peterson Farms.
Each year, we host a Spring Soiree to recognize the remarkable achievements of our students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends; this year Todd was selected to receive the 2025 HCS Professional Achievement Award for his early professional accomplishments and contributions to the agricultural industry. Take a look into a day in his life...
WHAT INITIALLY SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN PLANT SCIENCE?
Growing up on a farm, I'd always been exposed to agriculture, crop production, and plant sciences but it was FFA, in high school, that really made me fall in love with plant science and agronomy. Specifically, the FFA Agronomy CDE contest opened my eyes to the complexity of the agronomy field. During my junior year, my team won the state contest and placed second at the national level. My experiences at the national contest exposed me to new crops and different parts of American agriculture and showed me how diverse and important the plant sciences are. These experiences and the ones I gained while working on my family farm really solidified my love for plant sciences and crop production.
WHAT DOES A DAY IN YOUR LIFE AS Co-Owner of Peterson Farms LOOK LIKE?
On Peterson Farms my day varies significantly with the season and the weather. During the winter, I am planning for the upcoming year; deciding crop rotations, purchasing seed, fertilizer, and herbicides, developing variable rate prescriptions for fertilizer and seeding, maintaining machinery, and attending continuing learning events. Currently, we are in the middle of planting, so when the field conditions are fit, we are all hands on deck to plant our crops. I normally operate the corn planter or the sprayer.
In the summer, things switch gears and we focus on maximizing our crops growth and yield potential. I spend a significant amount of time scouting my fields to monitor the crops for any weeds, deficiencies, or diseases that arise and take corrective actions if possible. We also complete capital improvement projects to maintain or improve our equipment and facilities. During the fall, we harvest our crops as soon as they reach maturity and field conditions allow. This ensures we produce a high-quality product and allows us to maximize yields. I typically operate the combine. After harvest, if the weather is still good, we will begin to prepare for the next crop by applying fertilizers, lime, and other soil amendments as necessary.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
One of my favorite experiences during my early career was my first harvest working on the farm full-time. This harvest allowed me to see how all my work throughout the year; planning, planting, and caring for a crop paid off in the end through a bountiful harvest. The experience invigorated me to learn from that year and strive towards further improvement.
HOW DID YOUR TIME AT OHIO STATE HELP PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
Ohio State prepared me for my career by providing me the industry connections and scientific problem solving mindset that has allowed me to excel. During my time at OSU, I made many friendships and professional connections in the industry and academia that have provided me with strong support and challenged me to improve in all aspects of my life. Additionally, my experiences in the Lindsey Lab while working on my master's degree helped me develop a deeper understanding of how to utilize experimentation and statistical analysis to best optimize the crops I grow and the business I manage.
WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS ON WINNING THE Professional Achievement AWARD?
I am honored to be recognized by the department in receiving this award and I strongly believe the best parts of my career are still ahead of me.
ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS CONSIDERING STUDYING PLANT SCIENCE OR PURSUING PLANT SCIENCE RELATED CAREERS?
For any students studying plant science, I would say there is a huge diversity of plants on this planet and even more uses for them, so don't be afraid to venture outside of what you know. Go get lost in the weeds (literally and figuratively), you'll learn something out of it and can apply that to your chosen part of the plant sciences. But also, don't forget that people are important too, so make the time to connect with the faculty, industry professionals, and your fellow students so you have friends and support wherever life takes you.
Eager for more news from our Spring Soiree? You're in luck - check out all the articles here.