Author Archives: Chris Cook (National)

About Chris Cook (National)

In his spare time, Chris enjoys riding his motorcycle and being with his three children practicing volleyball, football and riding BMX bikes

Happy Earth Day!

As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, we should consider the role modern farming and sustainable agriculture have on our planet. Agriculture is a major user of the Earth’s land and water resources – and simply cannot survive without protecting the environment.  That’s why it is so crucial to preserve the soil, water and biodiversity that industries like agriculture depend on every day. Sustainable agriculture produces efficient, high-quality food all while protecting and enriching the environment. At Syngenta, we … Continue reading

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World Water Day

Today is World Water Day!  Did you know that water is the single biggest factor limiting the world’s ability to feed a growing population?  This makes water a critical factor for global food security. To grow enough food for one person takes more than 520 gallons of water per day and the agriculture industry accounts for 70% of the entire world’s water use.  By 2030 our water needs are expected to exceed the current supplies by 40%. At Syngenta we … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized, Water Optimization | View Comments

Happy National Ag Week!

Syngenta is proud to celebrate National Ag Week!  As you know agriculture provides us with almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis, and this week is designed to recognize and cheer the contributions of this important industry. It is startling to know that hunger in America exists for nearly 49 million people.  Today’s American farmer feeds about 155 people worldwide, an accomplishment that deserves recognition and celebration.  Syngenta understands how important agriculture is, and we want … Continue reading

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Earth Day: A Time for Reflection, Preparation and Celebration

How many times have you heard “it’s a small world”?  Certainly there are things that make it seem that way: the internet, cable news channels, cell phones and other technologies.  The truth is that the world is small, and shrinking.  Today versus a generation ago, we have fewer acres of arable land, less water, fossil fuel and a population that continues to grow in size and rate of consumption. At Syngenta, we think about this every day.  We are constantly … Continue reading

Posted in Disease, Genetic diversity, Insects, Pests, Water Optimization, Yield | View Comments

Ag Week: A Time to Reflect on What Farming Means to You

By 2050, predictions are there will be 9 billion people on planet earth.  Farmland is limited.  How do we feed a growing world population? Answer: Get more from existing farmland. Water is essential for life. By 2050, 4 billion people will live in countries with water scarcity.  As water becomes a scarce resource, how do we conserve it? Answer: Grow food using less water. Biodiversity is under threat.  As the world’s population grows, more wilderness is being cultivated for food.  … Continue reading

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Welcome!

Welcome to the new Syngenta Seeds Agronomist blog, The Dirt on Seeds! To introduce you to our blog, I’ll first introduce myself – I’m Chris Cook, head of field agronomy, corn and soybeans for Syngenta Seeds, Inc. As with the rest of our agronomy team members, I bring a unique and colorful past to my current job, including working as an agronomist and manager for one of our legacy seed brands, as well as time working in a local retail … Continue reading

Posted in Agrisure Corn Traits, Agrisure Viptera, Garst, Golden Harvest, NK | View Comments