Ferguson College of Agriculture

Daniel Adamson was raised on a cow/calf ranch in southern Wyoming and attended the University of Wyoming for his B.S. in agroecology where he developed a greater interest in plants and soils over animals. 

 

“Following my bachelor’s degree, I had aspirations to be an agronomist, but all of my personal experience was on ranches, not farms,” Adamson said. “Instead, I stayed on at UW for my M.S. in agronomy, which broadened my experience and gave me more confidence to become an agronomist/certified crop advisor in northern Colorado following my master’s.”

 

Adamson spent four years working in that position, primarily advising farmers on fertility and pest management. Seeing many operations led him to believe there is still a critical need for good ag research nationwide, and soon he felt a calling back to academia.

 

Through a connection with a former professor, Adamson had the opportunity to complete his Ph.D. in soil science at UW, where he has been since 2021. Now, he has taken on the position as assistant professor and extension specialist for soil and water conservation at OSU. 

 

“I’ll just say, I’m so thankful for the opportunity to join the team here at OSU, and I look forward to the abundant opportunities to grow as a scientist and agronomist here,” he said.

 

Coming to Oklahoma after spending his life in the Rocky Mountains, Adamson said he is looking forward to getting up to speed on the common systems in the region. 

 

“The best part about this process will be the opportunity to connect with producers and really see challenges through their eyes from the onset,” he said. “I’m entering this position with no biases, which is a great place to be as a scientist.” 
Adamson said his goal is to make his research and extension program producer-driven.

 

To him, soils are the foundation of our food systems and a resource that deserves care to functionally cycle nutrients and water into the biosphere. On the research side, the challenges of doing this sustainably are increasing as we continue to face the future needs of a growing population.

 

Through extension, Adamson aims to seek solutions that are practical and functional for producers. 

 

“Sustainable food systems can be nebulous, and we cannot forget that it starts with the farmer,” Adamson said. “If something is not working for their operation, we should really be critical of its greater feasibility for answering the big-picture questions.”

 

Adamson’s current interests align with soil health and conservation through practical farm management. 

 

“I’m a believer that gains on the farm don’t have to be mutually exclusive to broader gains in the agroecosystem, including soil health and functionality,” he said. “I’m hopeful to develop a program that works with producers to investigate practical management changes for dual benefits to farm functionality and sustainability.”

 

Outside OSU, Adamson is a lover of bluegrass music and is a self-described “proficient” five-string banjo player. 

 

“I love attending open music jams and have played in a few bands,” he said. “If you know of anyone who also plays bluegrass music, get me in touch with them! I’m hopeful to get involved in music in Stillwater ASAP!”