Meet the Forage Specialist: An Interview with Jonathan Bellamy
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Tell us a little bit about the part of the country where you work?
My area is central England and the northern half of Wales. Northern boundary is almost the M62 – Humber. Southern boundary Aberystwyth-Hereford across the midlands and all of East Anglia. I also have inoculant responsibilities for Northern Ireland. It is an area of great contrast. The west is dominated by livestock farming, and a lot of dairy farms. The further east you progress, the farming becomes increasingly arable with many AD plants – particularly the East Midlands, East Anglia with a smaller number in Shropshire/Herford.
Do you have a connection to agriculture outside of Corteva?
Yes. I was a former chairman of Cheshire Grassland Society and I help out with some stewarding at Nantwich show. Many of my friends are either dairy farmers or work in the supply industry and I used to play tennis in a local farmer league.
Can you describe your journey to becoming a Forage Specialist at Corteva?
I graduated from Harper Adams in 1986. My first job was with Sinclair McGill selling on a farm in Northumberland. This was all seeds but predominantly grass seed. I joined David Nunn in 1988 working as an agronomist in SE Cheshire, NW Staffordshire area. I was involved in all crops but had a large focus on forage, particularly silage additives, crop protection and grass seeds. I was very much involved in the early development of the maize crop in the area. I joined the Pioneer business in 1992. Main reasons for joining were a passion for the maize crop, it was clear that the crop was going to increase, and I wanted to work for an R&D based company. I have worked for the company for 32 years.
What has been the most interesting projects you’ve worked on at Corteva?
I think there are 4. Just being involved in the early days of maize crop developing. The introduction of L.Buchneri. Semi Dwarf OSR and M3 Dent genetics in maize.
How do you keep up to date with the latest advancements and trends in agriculture?
The usual publications but most importantly talking to lots of farmers, agronomists and nutritionists.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a Forage Specialist in the agricultural industry?
You must have a passion for forage and develop a good knowledge of both the agronomy and feeding of forages. Be prepared for a lot of hard work. Have the drive to go and make things happen.
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Jonathan Bellamy
Central England, North Wales & Northern Ireland
Email: jonathan.bellamy@corteva.com
Tel: 07801 183233