On May 17, fresh out of his graduate studies, Quinn began taking over some of the role from Nielson, his position officially titled Assistant Professor of Agronomy and Extension Corn Specialist. His responsibilities include leading applied research and Extension programs in Corn Management Systems at Purdue and across Indiana.
“I hope to use applied field research and extension to help farmers continue to advance the overall production, profitability and environmental performance of their corn systems,” Quinn said.
Quinn has studied agronomic management of crops throughout his education and has had the opportunity to work heavily in Extension, carrying out applied research and programming. Nielson, who was not involved in the hiring process but has visited with the new corn specialist, said he believes Quinn’s heart is in the right place and he is suited for the job.
“During this whole interview process, I kept telling the interviewers ‘I don’t care what the person’s experience is to certain degree, I want them to have a passion for Extension and for helping the corn growers in the state.’ And I think Dan has that,” Nielson said.
Before earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Michigan State University and Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky, Quinn grew up in Portland, Mich. Surrounded by farms, he developed a passion for agriculture. At the time, he did not realize that the science of agriculture was a subject he could build a career upon. While earning his bachelor’s degree and participating in soil science and crop programs, Quinn began pursuing agronomy with intensity.
“I worked for an applied research and Extension program at Michigan State within the first month of being on campus as an undergrad,” Quinn said. “Once I was exposed to the research and Extension side of agriculture that is when I got hooked.”
Agronomy and crop science is important to Quinn because it is the key to improving cropping systems management and ultimately overcoming new and continuing challenges for corn producers. He also believes Extension is just as important as a means to translate research directly to producers and maintain that connection for continued crop improvement.
“You can have all the precision tools and fancy equipment you want, but if you don’t understand agronomy, then those technological advances are not going to be used to the best of their abilities,” Quinn said.
As a researcher, Quinn is excited about the potential research he has ahead of him to drive educational material and extension programming to help farmers further advance their operations.
Quinn said he is looking forward to gaining a wealth of knowledge while getting started working with Indiana’s farmers, researchers and other ag professionals. Having worked with Nielson as he phases into retirement, Quinn knows he is stepping into big shoes, and he plans to gain knowledge from the experience his colleagues and Purdue Agriculture has already acquired.
“My goals for my time at Purdue are to build and continue a successful research and Extension program that will start on the great foundation and reputation that Purdue already has,” Quinn said. “I hope my program can be respected and looked to by farmers and industry professionals as a valuable resource for improving corn management systems across the state and the Midwest.”
