Mason Claude

Agronomy Research Lead

Mason Claude’s work on his family farm in Webster City, Iowa, started as soon as he could carry a seed bag. As his exposure to crop production increased, he found that the science behind farming, especially that of crop physiology, to be what excited him the most. Mason has always been drawn to researching products or management practices, which is also where he personally discovered the abilities behind Biodyne’s biological products.

In 2017, Mason began adding Biodyne products to his family farm’s management plan, starting with in-furrow applications of Environoc 401. After seeing the positive crop responses, he continued to trial combinations of Environoc 401, sugars and amino acids. During an internship with a local Pioneer dealer, Mason gained an agronomist’s perspective on the performance of Environoc Seed Treatment and BD-Biocast on corn and soybeans and varying populations.

In between his many internships and research on his farm, Mason attended Iowa Central Community College where he earned an associate degree in agricultural technology (and a fiancée, too), before heading to Iowa State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy in May 2021.

Along with practical use of the products, Mason’s enthusiasm around Biodyne products also came after attending a presentation by BW Fusion Lead Agronomist Bodie Kitchel. This connected for Mason what opportunities in-field research could offer for BW Fusion growers with further agronomic research. Now in his role as Agronomy Research Lead, Mason is able to take what once was studying product impact on his own crops, and apply that across crop types, growing regions and products to support the research BW Fusion proudly stands behind.

If you want to see more from Mason, give him a follow on Twitter or check out this podcast episode focused on agronomic solutions for fall, featuring Mason, Bodie Kitchel [LINK TO BODIE’S BIO] and Brody Benton.

What does the BW Difference mean to you?

The difference I saw on my own farm is the proven data showing the ins and outs of what our biology is doing from a chemical, physical and biological standpoint in the soil. We’ve got actual proof and data to quantitatively measure soil health. That’s a huge driver for me.

On the company side, I’ve got space in my budget specifically dedicated to finding ways to improve soil biology and crop physiology. We’re able to approach these from every angle–chemistry, biology, fertility, nutrients, physiology–not just one or two.

Why should growers consider using BW Fusion products? What extraordinary values do they bring to the field?

The proof and the quality control in our manufacturing process provide consistent products and consistent results are what set BW Fusion products apart. We have a solution for everyone, and we have the tools to identify problem areas with Agronomy 365 so we know where we should focus.

What are your top three products you think every grower should consider including in their farm plan?

It really just depends. It depends on your environment, what process you’re trying to address, what you are trying to change–there is no silver bullet that will be the perfect solution for everyone. I’ll always suggest using the biology on everybody’s ground, with products like 401 and 501, but further investigation of antagonisms in your field is just as important as promoting your soil health. It’s way more than just products.

How would you explain the value or importance of Agronomy 365 to BW Fusion growers?

You can’t shoot a bullseye if there’s a curtain over your target. You have to know your information in order to address your issues. You’re not going to truly know what you need to focus on and what things you need to address in your field without knowing what’s behind the curtain. Agronomy 365 is an insight to understand how and when we’re using BW products to address certain antagonisms in your fields.