Soil Health Partnership Expands Staff in Unique Long-Term Data Project

The Soil Health Partnership has created a new position to help lead the organization’s ambitious on-farm data collection efforts as the program grows. Jack Cornell, a plant scientist, will fill the role of operations manager for the organization.  

 “I’m looking forward to continuing work on opportunities to make agriculture more sustainable,” Cornell said. “But at the same time, I grew up in a small town, understanding the importance of profitability on the farm. I look forward to relationships with farmers, striving to find ways for them to stay profitable and sustainable. It’s something I’m very passionate about.”  

Cornell will help the SHP team, which includes several field managers throughout the Midwest, manage the data collected, provide strategic direction, and act as a conduit of information to the organization’s active Science Advisory Committee.

Cornell recently served as a technology development representative for Monsanto, with an emphasis on cover crops and sustainability.

“Jack has an excellent background with a practical understanding of agronomy, crop and data management,” said Nick Goeser, SHP director and NCGA director of soil health and sustainability. “He brings a real-world industry perspective to help improve the efficiency of SHP data collection and management. We’re thrilled to have him on the team.”

Three years into the program, the SHP teams are developing a preliminary research summary to be released soon.

Cornell is a distant relative of Ezra Cornell, who co-founded the university that bears his name. He has a master’s degree in plant science from Missouri State University. He lives in Edwardsville, Ill. with his wife and daughter.

An initiative of the National Corn Growers Association, the SHP works closely with diverse organizations including commodity groups, industry groups, federal agencies and well-known environmental groups, including The Nature Conservancy, toward common goals. The SHP is completing its third year with more than 65 partner farms across nine Midwestern states.