Nathan Burks

Research Scientist i @Iowa Crop Improvement Association

Nevada, IA, US

The Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) is a nonprofit organization designated by Chapter 177 in the Iowa Legislature as the official seed certifying agency in Iowa. The association is composed of member companies and individuals who are actively engaged in the seed industry and are committed to advancing seed and crop improvement. As the oldest and one of the most prominent yield trial organizations, ICIA is among the five largest in the nation and plays a significant role in advancing agricultural research and development. The Research Scientist I provides direct support to the crop performance testing group. This branch conducts the official variety trials for the state, known as the Iowa Crop Performance Tests (ICPT). The role involves contributing to and supporting all phases of the trialing program. Responsibilities include assisting with seed inventory management and preparing seeds for planting; collecting, recording, and delivering research data; and implementing research protocols, including UAV remote sensing methods. Responsible for contributing to experimental design, database management, and statistical analysis, while collaborating with a diverse team of researchers and farmer cooperators to ensure accurate data reporting. Additional responsibilities involve monitoring and overseeing machinery and property maintenance and repair, developing new methods and programs to improve efficiency, diagnosing and remedying crop and weed pressure problems, and hiring, training, and managing hourly student employees and seasonal contract workers.

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