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International Project for Agribusiness

Field Agricultural Council '26

A unique international project that brings together leading global experts to analyze, optimize, and improve the efficiency of 9 Ukrainian farms

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About the Project

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Field Agricultural Council 2026 (FAC ’26) is a nationwide scientific and practical agricultural project that engages leading international experts in agronomy, crop production, and soil science to conduct comprehensive analysis and optimization of agricultural production processes across 9 Ukrainian farms.

The project combines online analytics, on-site field assessments, and practical recommendations tailored to specific fields and farm conditions.

Field Agricultural Council ’26 includes

Field diagnostics of 9 farms (27 fields)

located across different regions of Ukraine, including assessment of soil and crop conditions and identification of potential constraints.

Comprehensive laboratory analysis of soil and plants based on three scientific approaches

(Perry Agricultural Laboratory, Ward Laboratories, Future Analytics, Agrotest – Haney Test, plant tissue analysis).

Comparison of crop production practices for corn, wheat, rapeseed, sunflower, and soybeans

under diverse soil and climatic conditions, with identification of effective solutions and development of practical recommendations.

Practical training programs and individual consultations

for participating farms, including both online presentations and in-field training, aimed at improving agronomic teams’ ability to identify field issues, conduct diagnostics, assess economic thresholds, and make informed management decisions to minimize risks.

Knowledge dissemination and sharing of project outcomes

among farmers, universities, and the broader agricultural sector (videos, presentations, analytical materials).

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Project Timeline and Implementation Stages

September – December 2025

• Selection of 7–10 participating farms.
• Collection of data on fields, farming practices, and equipment.
• Soil sampling.

December 2025 – January 2026
• Transfer of collected data to the Expert Council.
• Development of recommendations for the planting campaign.

March – May 2026

• Online training sessions delivered by international experts.
• Individual consultations for participating farms based on soil analysis results.

June – July 2026
• Preliminary field scouting.
• Plant tissue sampling and crop assessments.
• June 21 – July 7: on-site expert field sessions across 9 farms (2 fields per farm).
• Soil pit investigations, soil analysis, and field diagnostics.

July 8–9

• Two-day final conference: presentations, farm case studies, expert discussions, and exhibition area.

November – December 2026

• Final written recommendations for participating farms.
• Online season review and summary of results.

The involvement of soil fertility experts representing both the Kinsey/Albrecht approach and classical university-based methodologies enables participants to compare different frameworks and make well-informed, data-driven decisions.

Parallel analysis by Perry Agricultural Laboratory vs Ward Laboratories ensures field-specific, tailored recommendations and demonstrates the practical performance of different soil management approaches. Participants gain the ability to select the most suitable strategy for their conditions, while partners have the opportunity to showcase the effectiveness of their solutions within both systems.

The Kinsey/Albrecht method focuses on cation balance and practical micronutrient correction strategies, while the classical university approach evaluates soil fertility based on scientific and statistical models of nutrient sufficiency and crop response.

International Expert Council

The project features a multidisciplinary panel of experts covering all key aspects of crop production.

*Preliminary composition of the Expert Council

Dr. Timothy M. Reinbott

Director of Field Research, Jefferson Farm and Garden Extension and Education Center, University of Missouri, USA

  • Timothy M. Reinbott serves as the Director of Field Research at the Jefferson Farm and Garden Extension and Education Center at the University of Missouri, which focuses on disseminating research-based knowledge and providing advisory support to farmers and agricultural producers.

  • Throughout his career within the University of Missouri system, he has held several key positions, including Director of Research and Superintendent of the Bradford Research Farm in Columbia, Missouri.

  • During his tenure at Bradford Research Farm, he managed numerous agricultural research projects and oversaw the production and evaluation of more than 220 tomato varieties.

  • He has also made a significant contribution to biomass production research in Missouri, co-authoring studies on the impact of species composition and management practices.

  • His extensive experience in agricultural research, extension services, and field operations makes him a highly respected expert within the agricultural community.

Dr.Ray Weil

Professor of Soil Science, University of Maryland, USA. Internationally recognized expert in soil health and cover crop systems.

  • Holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in agronomy and soil science (Michigan State University).
  • Has taught at the University of Maryland for over 40 years; educated over 6,000 students and supervised 40+ MS/Ph.D. candidates.
  • Specializes in soil organic matter, cover crops, microbial biomass, active carbon, and nutrient cycling.
  • Developed methods for measuring microbial biomass and active carbon, now adopted by USDA/NRCS and researchers globally.
  • Advises government and international agencies on soil management and food security, especially in Africa.
  • Co-author of “The Nature and Properties of Soils”, a leading global soil science textbook.
  • Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy.
  • Two-time Fulbright Fellow for soil research in Africa.

Alan Perry

Founder and CEO of Farm Technologies Network (since 2004) and Bedrock Soil Balancing Services (since 1995). He is an internationally certified crop consultant and a member of the American Society of Agronomy, USA

  • Alan holds a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Resource Economics with a minor in Crop Production from the University of Maine, 1978.
  • He is an internationally certified crop consultant and a member of the American Society of Agronomy.
  • Specializes in pastures, potatoes, small grains, and row crops; strives to reduce the use of herbicides and pesticides.
  • Main activities include creating a network of resources to solve agricultural problems; working with soil analysis, plant tissue analysis, soil fertility and nutrient crop programs; microbiology; water management; household waste management; and agricultural economics.
  • Thanks to a network of people, information, and innovative technologies, he offers practical solutions for all types of soil.

York Th. Bayer

Owner and chief manager of Bayer Handelsvertretung company. Berlin, Germany

  • York Bayer conducts trainings on soil fertility based on the Kinsey/Albrecht system.
  • According to the results of soil testing in the laboratory of Neal Kinsey (USA), he provides interpretation, implementation and adaptation to the specific client’s needs and
  • Develops individual strategies for the clients, identifying new business opportunities and finding the best resources.
  • Consults on CULTAN N fertilization – science and
  • Provides no-till support and practical assistance in implementing this
  • Region of activity: German-speaking countries, Eastern Europe from the Baltics to Romania, France, and Great Britain.

Neal Kinsey

Owner and CEO of Kinsey Agricultural Services, Inc., USA

  • Specializes in restoring soil fertility to improve yields through soil and plant analysis.
  • Graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
  • Since 1973, after studying under Dr. William Albrecht, has been consulting with agricultural producers, ranging from small gardeners to large grain farmers.
  • The soil management program is based on the Kinsey/Albrecht system, which uses soil nutrient enrichment and chemistry to adjust the physical structure of the soil.
  • Consulting practices include analysis and recommendations for soils from across the United States and 75 countries, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and France.
  • Neal also teaches courses on the Kinsey/Albrecht Nutrition Program worldwide.

Amie Bandy

Agronomist, Certified Crop Advisor, Founder of The Crop Advisor Consulting Company, USA

  • Holds a B.Sc. in Agronomy from Purdue University. Certified Crop Advisor and licensed crop consultant in IA, IN, IL, MO, and MN.

  • Over 25 years of experience in private agriculture, including 6 years in seed corn and seed stock production with New Northrup King and Syngenta.

  • Founded The Crop Advisor Consulting Company in 1996, focusing on scouting, soil balancing, biological management, tissue analysis, and pest and disease control.

  • Has worked with 300+ clients, including farms, consultants, and ag businesses of various sizes.

  • Provides consulting, training, and coaching in yield improvement, plant nutrition, disease management, crop transitions, and decision-making. Supports both conventional and organic systems, including transition to organic farming.

  • Speaker at the National No-Till Conference and BRT Ag and Turf. Certified IICCA member since 1999.

Dr. Michael McNeill

President of Ag Advisory Ltd. Agronomic consultant in soil fertility, plant physiology, and quantitative genetics, USA

  • Holds a PhD in agronomy from Iowa State University, specializing in soil fertility and plant physiology.
  • Founder and owner of Ag Advisory Ltd. (1983), a consulting firm that focuses on sustainable agriculture and soil health.
  • Established the company to support producers in developing farming systems that enhance environmental stewardship, improve soil health, increase natural nutrient availability, and optimize crop yields for long-term sustainability.
  • Developed farm plans for agricultural producers across six Midwestern states, as well as in Florida and Hawaii, managing nearly 150,000 acres (about 60,702 hectares) of farmland.
  • His farming systems emphasize practices that increase environmental protection, boost profitability, and promote climate-smart production methods, making agriculture more resilient to climate challenges.
  • Provides expertise in the development of new crop varieties, value-added processing, and innovative marketing strategies for specialty crops, ensuring these crops are economically viable and sustainable.

Melissa Werkema

Founder of Future Analytics, expert in innovative agri-diagnostics, soil and plant sap analysis, Canada

  • Founder and owner of Future Analytics Inc., an independent laboratory specializing in soil, plant sap, and water analysis (Red Deer, Alberta, Canada).
  • Studied Chemical Sciences at the British Columbia Institute of Technology; started her career as an analytical technician in food laboratories.
  • Worked in Israel on plant nutrition systems and nutrient interactions, forming the foundation for reference datasets for plant analysis interpretation.
  • Developed an approach to soil and plant tissue testing that accounts for both inorganic and organic nutrients available for plant uptake, enabling a holistic assessment of soil health.
  • Helps farmers optimize crop nutrition programs using targeted laboratory analytics, reducing fertilizer costs and improving the resilience of vegetable and grain crops.
  • Core Expertise: Innovative soil and plant sap analysis methods; development of diagnostic solutions for nutrient balance; focus on organic nutrients and soil health; data-driven agronomic decision-making.

Lecture Programme of the Field Agricultural Council ‘26

The lecture programme of the Field Agricultural Council ‘26 will launch this April as part of the project’s educational track.

It will focus on practical approaches to plant nutrition management, soil health analysis and assessment, as well as improving the efficiency of agricultural production.

Eric Watson

A New Zealand farmer, world-record holder for wheat yield, and owner of Rangitata Holdings Ltd.

May 5, 11:00 AM (Kyiv Time, UTC+3) / 3:00 AM (Central Time, USA)

Topic: “Eric and Maxine Watson: Growing High-Performing Wheat in New Zealand”

Eric farms approximately 500 hectares, growing a wide range of crops, including cereals, grass seeds, vegetables, and legumes.

He has over 40 years of farming experience. In 2017 and 2020, he set Guinness World Records for the highest wheat yield. In 2020, he achieved 17.398 t/ha, surpassing his previous record of 16.791 t/ha.

Dr. Heiner Goldbach

Professor of Plant Nutrition, University of Bonn (Germany), expert in plant nutrition physiology and foliar fertilization.

April 29, 4:00 PM (Kyiv Time, UTC+3) / 8:00 AM (Central Time, USA)

Topic: “Known and still unknown functions of boron: their practical implications for farming”

Dr. Goldbach specializes in plant nutrition physiology, micronutrient functions (especially boron), and their role in plant growth and development. His research focuses on nutrient uptake, movement, and interactions within plants.

He has extensive experience in research and teaching, author of over 100 scientific publications in plant nutrition and soil science, and collaborates with international scientific and agricultural projects.

Jason Trowbridge

Independent agronomist with Growise Agronomy (Canada), working with farmers on nutrient management, soil analysis, and on-farm trials

Topic: “Practical Use of Soil Analysis Based on the Melissa Werkema (Future Analytics) Methodology”

Mr. Trowbridge focuses on the practical application of agronomic solutions and evaluating their performance under real farming conditions.
In his work, he applies advanced soil analysis approaches, including Future Analytics — an extended method that evaluates both total nutrient content and plant-available forms, based on oxidation and reduction processes in the soil.

Dr. Timothy Reinbott

Director of Field Research at the Jefferson Farm and Garden Center, University of Missouri (USA)

April 10, 4:00 PM (Kyiv Time, UTC+3) / 8:00 AM (Central Time, USA)
Topic: “Eric and Maxine Watson: Growing High-Performing Wheat in New Zealand”

Dr. Timothy has extensive experience in agronomic research and extension activities. Previously, he managed the Bradford Research Farm, where he coordinated field trials and agricultural production. He is also a co-author of scientific publications focused on biomass production and agroecosystem management.

Dr. Ray Ward

Founder of Ward Laboratories (USA) and an expert in soil health and agronomic diagnostics

April 8, 4:00 PM (Kyiv Time, UTC+3) / 8:00 AM (Central Time, USA)
Topic: “Soil Health Assessment: Practical Application of the Haney Soil Health Test”

Dr. Ray holds a PhD in agronomy and has extensive experience working in universities and research institutions across the United States. He founded Ward Laboratories in 1983, where he develops innovative approaches to soil and plant analysis. His work focuses on improving resource efficiency, providing accurate data for agronomic decision-making, and supporting environmental sustainability.

Exclusive

Specifically for the event, the book "Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture" will be translated and published in Ukrainian.

Renowned Editors

Edited by Fred Magdoff and Ray R. Weil

How to Receive

A translated copy of the book will be provided to all participants of the summer conference.

About the Book

One of the key works highlighting the role of soil organic matter in improving soil fertility and enhancing the sustainability of agricultural production systems.

Language of Translation

Ukrainian

Register

Would you like to learn more about the Field Agricultural Council 2026?

If you have any questions, would like to join the project, or support it, please leave your contact details and we will get in touch with you personally.

Roman Grynyshyn

+38 097 996 50 47
roman@traveliteagro.com

    Social Mission of the Project

     

    In cooperation with World to Rebuild Rural Ukraine (WRRU), the project provides free access to consultations and educational materials for small farms affected by the war. This ensures that the knowledge generated and structured during the Field Agricultural Council reaches those who need it most.

    All project materials are systematically shared with leading agricultural universities. Students gain access to online broadcasts, video courses, and supporting materials, enabling them to engage with the latest global agricultural practices.