Andrew Russell

Andrew Russell

Andrew Russell is a Master’s of Science (MS) graduate student at the University of Georgia (UGA) studying Crop and Soil Sciences, with a focus on Sustainable Agriculture. Russell is originally from Atlanta, GA. Although he is from Atlanta, he grew a strong interest in agriculture from the numerous visits to his family's farm in Indiana. Russell obtained his bachelor's degree in Agricultural Technology and Systems Management from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC). At ABAC, he worked closely with Drs. Michael Maw and Alex McLemore completing student research focused on drone imaging and precision agriculture. During the summers, Russell worked on a custom harvest crew, that traveled the country harvesting green beans.

Russell chose to pursue graduate school at UGA for his MS degree program because it was both close to home and has faculty that are experts in his field of interest, he felt that it was the best route to become established in precision agriculture, especially being able to study under Dr. Wes Porter. 

The projects that Russell is working on involve planter studies for both peanut and corn. There are many challenges when planting peanuts due to how fragile the seeds are and their significantly larger size. Some of the aspects they are studying include planter down-force, speed, soil conditions, and additional factors that may help a farmer obtain an edge. These studies will assist farmers in maximizing how emergence rate and uniformity of their corn crops. As a result of this research, they have some exciting new things to introduce for the growing season to come.

Working on these planter projects in agricultural technology, Russell has gained many new skills that he will be able to put to use in his future career. The industry has recently moved to an electric metering system, from the traditional planter. Having hands-on experience with these new technologies has placed Russell on the right path. He also has gained experience in geographic information system mapping that will greatly benefit him if he decides to go into consulting or extension.

After he obtains his master's degree, Russell plans to go to work in extension or for an industrial corporation. He is keeping his options open and is looking forward to the opportunities that will arise for him.

by Caraline Coombs, student assistant, UGA Peanut Team Media