Lane Marsh | Crop and Soil Science Undergraduate | Agronomy Option | Crop and Soil Science Club Secretary
About Lane:
I grew up in Mt. Angel Oregon, a small farming town of about 3,500 people north of Salem. Throughout high school, I worked summers on a local farm that produced 1700 acres of a combination of hops, green beans, garlic for seed, hazelnuts, and grass seed. In December 2020 I was hired on with Pratum Co-op as a field scout intern and have been in this role for close to three years now. I have also been the secretary of the Crop and Soil Science club for two years now. My favorite activities have been assisting with FFA CDE days and hosting guest speaker events.
Plans for the future:
I have recently accepted a full-time position with Pratum Co-op as a Precision Agriculture Technician. The job description includes working with the company's autonomous spot-sprayer that is designed to control poa annua within grass seed systems, drone applications, and maintaining databases created for soil moisture sensors. Going forward, I would like to best address/ service the growers that have taken chances on me throughout my life. From my first job to the farmer community members that comes together and hosts community events, to the organizations of farmers who come together to raise scholarships. I would like to best serve these community members and ensure the organizations that they have created last for years to come.
What was the biggest challenge that you faced during your academic pursuits and what was the most influential support that helped you overcome that challenge?
The biggest challenge I faced during my academic career was the sheer transition and culture shock that came from leaving high school and starting college. I came from a small 2A high school that consisted of less than 250 students between four grade levels. My hometown lacked any real diversity, as the economy was based almost entirely off of agriculture. While this is not a negative aspect in my life, I have honestly never been aware that so many different viewpoints even exist. I guess this means that the biggest challenge was finding somewhere to fi t in. Professors within the CSS department realize that all lowerclassmen are in this very similar situation and design their curriculum to acknowledge, be open to, and respect everyone's viewpoints/ backgrounds.
Advice for new students:
Never turn down an opportunity to professionally network. Look a grower or professor in the eye, shake their hand, and show respect at every possible scenario. It may not be evident, but these are the people who support your goals and dreams and are excited to continue doing so. Do not burn these bridges before they are even established.