A Hoosier by birth, Chad Hutchinson cultivated a deep appreciation for agriculture from his early days growing up amidst Indiana’s farmlands. An early respect for farmers and farming guided him into a career in plant science. Chad’s academic journey began at Ball State University, where he earned both his B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology. He then pursued his passion for plants at Purdue University, completing his Ph.D. in Plant Physiology/Horticulture.

Dr. Hutchinson’s background in horticulture led him to the University of Florida, where he served as a faculty member and the state’s potato specialist for a decade. In this role, he directly supported potato growers, sharing critical knowledge and solutions in crop nutrition, variety development, and soil fumigation. His transition to the private sector in 2007 marked a new chapter as he joined TriEst Ag Group, Inc. as Director of Research. His impactful contributions led to a promotion in 2020 to Global Director of Potato Research and Market Support for the entire TriCal Group.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hutchinson has collaborated with potato producers across the globe. His work spans crucial areas such as variety selection, crop nutrition, soil health, and soil disease suppression, working to help farmers achieve their production goals. Chad is recognized for his understanding of crop production and soil fumigation practices, and their direct influence on potato crop yield and quality. He has been an invited speaker worldwide, sharing his positivity and insights on soil fumigation, soil health, and advanced potato crop production techniques.