Voices of Women in Ag Tech: Ambassador Profile on Amy Asmus
Women in Ag Tech is a newly formed and crucial group that aims to provide women in agriculture technology with a platform to connect, engage, and build a community.
As part of our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the agricultural technology sector, we bring you exclusive insights from our inspirational ambassadors and other women leading the way forward in ag tech.
We recognize the importance of hearing directly from women in our industry. Their expertise and unique insights offer a fresh and dynamic approach to tackling challenges and driving innovation in this rapidly evolving field. Join us as we delve into their stories and expertise empowering you with the knowledge and inspiration to shape the future of Ag Tech.
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In this Ambassador Profile, we feature Amy Asmus of Asmus Farm Supply.
Amy Asmus
Who are you and what do you do in the ag tech industry?
Amy Asmus: My name is Amy Asmus and along with my husband Harlan, we own and operate a mid-sized, independent ag retail operation. I am also part owner of inventory checkout and mini-bulk tracking software called SecureTracs. This software helps retailers be compliant with 2010 EPA rules tracking the history and contents of mini-bulk tanks. Many believe that Ag tech is just the technology that is deployed by/for growers on the production and monitoring side of crop production. I see that in ag retail, ag tech has at least two other roles… 1) to help with the compliant, safe, and accurate operations within an ag retail location and warehouse, and 2) to enhance customer-facing communications and record keeping.
How did you achieve the success that you have in the industry?
AA: Through hard work, listening to and respecting mentors and peers, showing up AND participating in opportunities, continuously listening and learning.
Could you share a pivotal moment in your career that helped you get to where you are today?
AA: Wow, every day you will make choices that will define your path from today to tomorrow. For me to pick just one is hard. But I will start with meeting my husband, falling in love, and following him to the middle of nowhere to make a good life for ourselves and our children. He has always supported me and my journey. I did not ever plan to be an agronomist or business owner. I just opened my eyes to opportunities, kept learning, did my best, and took it one day at a time.
What advice would you give to other women trying to succeed in this field?
AA: Don’t do it alone. A good support system will lift you up and help you to grow into whatever you choose to do… but not only that. In today’s world, one decision affects so many different areas and stakeholders. It is more efficient, accurate (and most times fun) to work on issues within a community of stakeholders all working for the same outcomes. And remember to always seek to learn and apply what you learn. Surround yourself with people and things that can teach you — mentors, partners, friends, enemies, wins, losses, tools, technologies, and experiences — everything is an opportunity to learn. One last thing I usually tell students as I talk and work with them is that you must be present to win, but it is not enough to just show up, you must show up AND ENGAGE in whatever you want to succeed in.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
AA: I think it is important to understand that in almost everything we do, especially in production ag, success is science-based, technology-driven and orchestrated by humans. I once had a business advisor (Paul Batts) who had a coin with two sides. It was a reminder of what to consider when making a decision. On one side it asked, “What is not acceptable?” and on the other side it asked, “What is possible?” As much as I like those coins, I always wished there was a third side that asked, “How do you expand the opportunity for the option that is not yet conceivable or possible?” I think that is where technology fits in: to enable us to consider, create and achieve a new horizon of possibilities.
Women in Ag Tech is a crucial initiative for advancing and advocating for women in the field and provides a platform to connect, engage, and build a community. The initiative prioritizes opportunities for women to engage both face-to-face and virtually by cultivating a collaborative community through access to mentorship programs, idea exchanges, and collaboration with professionals and organizations within our industry.
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