Al Cattanach

Dr. Allan Cattanach (“Al”) has over 45 years of experience in soil science and agronomy.

His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Soil Science from the University of Wisconsin, a Master’s degree in Soil Science & Plant Physiology from North Dakota State University, and a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Minnesota. (Badgers, Bison, and Gophers all representing!)

Before commencing his professional career, Al served in the United States Army from 1969 -1970 in Stuttgart, West Germany. From 1971 to 1972 he was Assistant Pembina County Agent in Cavalier, North Dakota. Following that he was Renville County Extension Agent from 1973 to 1975. In 1975 he accepted the position as Extension Sugar Beet Specialist, a joint appointment at North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota, a position he held until 1998. He moved on to be head agronomist for American Crystal Sugar from 1998 to 2014 and is recognized worldwide as an expert in the field of sugar beet production.

Since then, Al has served as the Director of Agronomy for Amity Technologies, and as a consulting agronomist with his own company, ANC Ag. As a consultant, Al provides crop production recommendations for fertilizer, pesticide and equipment use. In addition, he provides soil testing recommendations, interprets the test results, conducts plant analysis, and assists with variety selection and recommendations. General crop and agribusiness management consulting round out his services.

As the Director of Agronomy for FarmQA, Al ensures we’re providing information that meets the needs of agronomists and growers and their service providers (like co-ops and seed companies).

When he’s not in the field, you’ll find Al spending some time fishing or visiting his grandchildren.