Gordon Named Outstanding New Agronomist

Goodwell, Okla. — It all started at a very young age for Oklahoma Panhandle State University graduate Josh Gordon.

“My love for Agricultural started on the farm. My grandfather’s wife passed away on my first birthday and so he and I both were looking for some attention. I spent a lot of time with him on the farm. As his health deteriorated, he would tell me what to do. He was the brains and I was the brawn. He spent a lot of time teaching me. His love for farming made me love farming.”

Gordon is currently working as a Crop Specialist for Servi-Tech, the nation’s largest crop consulting firm and agricultural laboratory. He covers territory along Highway 83 from Garden City, Kan. south to Perryton, Texas and works with farmers and cattle operations evaluating crops and giving agronomic advice.

“It is great. It is something new every week. Hardly ever are you looking for the same thing two weeks in a row. It is amazing to watch the plants grow. Being at the first field around dawn with the brisk morning air is a great way to start your day.”

He also serves as a representative for his territory on the companies Applications team which works diligently to stay informed of the latest and greatest technologies for the farmers they serve.

“Farmers are very progressive with technology. Precision Agriculture continues to make a big impact in the industry.”
Immediately following graduation in May of 2016, Gordon began the job with Servi-Tech. “It happened to be God’s plan for me and where he wanted me.”

At a recent Professional Development Conference (PDC) in Kearney, Neb. for all the field agronomists at Servi-Tech, Gordon was named the “Outstanding New Agronomist.” In order to qualify for the award, individuals must have started working at Servi-Tech within the last 18 months and the winner is selected by a vote among all of the crop consultants.

Gordon commented on the honor. “It was pretty humbling to be voted in by people that you work with every day without thinking about the impact you may be making helping them and the company out.”

Panhandle State Agronomy Department Head and Crops Judging Coach Dr. Curtis Bensch is a key part in Gordon getting where he is today.

“Dr. Bensch played a big part in helping me to hone my skills and being a member of the Crops Judging Team where we placed fifth in the nation also helped me get to where I am today. Dr. Bensch encouraged me and made the connection between myself and my previous boss.”

Gordon has also benefited from the training of his mentor and fellow employee Bryan Boroughs. “Training is a big part of it and he has helped a great deal in that area. His love for the job reminds me of my grandfather.”

Gordon is originally from Yuma, Colo. where his family still farms. During his time at Panhandle State, he played on the Baseball team and was very active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) serving on the leadership team. During this time, he also met his sweetheart Abbie (Ferguson) and the couple will celebrate their first wedding anniversary at the end of this month. Abbie graduated with a Biology degree and is currently furthering her education in the Physical Therapy field.

Servi-Tech was founded in 1975 and at the mark of its 40th anniversary had laboratories located in Dodge City, Kan.; Amarillo, Texas; and Hastings, Neb. processing over 250,000 soil samples a year and almost 1 million acres under contract.