Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network Welcomes New Program Manager, Kirk Reese

Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network Welcomes New Program Manager, Kirk Reese

Kirk Reese brings an abundance of experience in the agricultural industry to his new role as the program manager of Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network. 

In this new role, Kirk said his goal is to “change the conversation around stewardship with research.” 

“There’s a scientific approach, which not everyone can relate to,” said Kirk. “So how do we boil that down into something that’s easier to understand and shows how farmers are practicing good stewardship on their farms?” 

Kirk is the owner of Insight Ag Solutions, an agronomic consulting business for growers. 

Prior to starting his business in 2018, Kirk held various roles in leadership, agronomy, product sales, and lifecycle management for Pioneer Seeds for 25 years. 

Previously, Kirk also worked in extension at the state level in weed science having obtained a master’s in weed science from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s in agronomy. 

Hailing from Trumball County, Ohio, Kirk grew up on a small farm raising cattle and crops. He now lives in Lexington, Ohio with his wife. They have three grown sons. 

As the program manager, Kirk will be engaging with farmers, consumers, and stakeholders on water quality research and farmer stewardship.

“It’s something that is a little bit outside of what I’ve been doing in the past, but I think it’s very complimentary,” said Kirk.

Working in the digital space of agriculture, Kirk specializes in data capture, quality, and management, and helping growers make informed decisions on nutrient applications. 

Understanding the sources of phosphorus and nitrogen loading in the western Lake Erie basin is extraordinarily complex. Partnering with organizations like NRCS, H2Ohio, and extension is helping drive visibility and awareness of on-farm efforts to mitigate risks. 

“The challenge for a farmer is to understand what those practices are and how they can implement them in a way that’s not only effective but allows them to continue farming and making a living,” said Kirk. 

Kirk said he looks forward to providing farmers with the guidance and tools they need to implement best management practices and continuing to propel understanding around the farming efforts that are making a positive impact on the environmental concerns for Lake Erie.