Kristin Utterback understands the workings of the agricultural supply chain from beginning to end.
Her journey brought her from on-farm work to roles in agricultural trade associations and ag tech marketing and communications. Each step has deepened her understanding of how technology can drive progress in agribusiness and help meet the demands of a growing global population.
Now, as Innovation and Engagement Strategy Leader within Corteva Agriscience’s R&D organization, Utterback draws on her ag tech background to help bridge the gap between scientific innovation and real-world application. Utterback plays a key role in shaping how the company engages around new agricultural technologies, working alongside a global team of over 5,000 scientists.
In this interview with WiAT’s newest Ambassador, Utterback shares her insights on trends in agriculture informed by her past experience and current work.
WiAT: Can you tell us a little bit about your farming and ag tech background? And how ag tech currently plays a role in your current position at Corteva?
Kristin Utterback (KU): I actually grew up on a commercial hog operation and had every intent to work on the animal ag side of the industry. It wasn’t until I had a chance to work directly with farmers through the Texas Grain Sorghum Association and National Sorghum Checkoff Program that I fell in love with row crops and the good people that produced them.
I kind of fell into the tech space initially through a content marketing role supporting grain software companies and haven’t looked back. Little did I know at that time that I was barely scraping the surface of what ag tech really means.
Through my role in R&D at Corteva, I get to experience all aspects of ag tech as it relates to driving on-farm innovation across the globe. From the latest in biological products and green chemistries to industry breakthroughs in seed, I get a front row seat to learn and talk about it all.
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some of the smartest, most innovative people I have ever met that are working to solve some of the biggest challenges for farmers all over the world.
WiAT: What are two trends that you are currently observing that you think the ag tech industry needs to pay more attention to?
KU: Firstly, there is a growing need for tools that help farmers across the globe adapt to extreme conditions from weather to disease pressure. Gene editing is transforming how quickly we can develop crops with precise traits such as drought tolerance or disease resistance, and those are just two examples of what is possible.
We are at a crossroads where global acceptance of this type of technology is no longer an option. As supporters of ag tech, we should be focused on the importance of transparency and education around gene editing with customers and consumers alike.
Secondly, the definition of precision ag is evolving from passive data collection to actionable insights powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing. Efforts in this space need to focus on creating interoperable, scalable platforms that can synthesize multiple data streams in order to deliver real-time, AI-powered insights that farmers can act on instantly.
The integration of these technologies—especially when they work seamlessly together—is what will really drive the next wave of agricultural productivity and resilience.
WiAT: You’ve worn a lot of different hats in the ag industry from communications to ag tech to R&D. How do you think companies need to better communicate to growers the benefits of ag tech to increase adoption?
KU: I think it is all about education and transparency. I am not one to speak for farmers, but I am confident they get marketed to plenty. From my seat, sharing that we are not just looking at the problems farmers are facing today, but serving as a trusted partner to understand their goals and evolving needs for the short and long-term future of their businesses, is really important.
Innovation in our industry doesn’t come easy, so naturally, acceptance of innovation doesn’t always come easily either. I am an advocate for bringing farmers (and all other relevant stakeholders) along for the ride in the most transparent and educational way possible.
WiAT: What are your thoughts on Women in Ag Tech?
KU: I have really enjoyed this forum since its inception. The idea of a niche community built around this ever-evolving sector of the ag industry is brilliant. If we can bring more diverse perspectives to ag tech and recruit new thinkers to our industry, it’s a win-win for everyone.
