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College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

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KYLE D. NORTHUP

Kyle Northup Kyle D. northup

Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering 
Agricultural Systems Management
Crown City, OH 


First generation college student Kyle Northup began his college career at Ohio State ATI in Wooster, Ohio, where he completed his associate degree in agricultural systems management. He nearly didn’t start college at all because of concerns about the cost. Fortunately, a conversation with a counselor at ATI convinced him he could do it.

In the classroom, Kyle was often “the first student in and the last student out, after asking thoughtful questions,” according to his nominator and identified mentor, Dr. Kathryn Boening-Ulman. “Kyle has been able to bridge his learning successfully between the Wooster/ATI and Columbus campus and compound it with knowledge gained through internships and outside work.” He grew up on a small farm in Southeastern Ohio and had experience with cattle and chickens. Once in class, he became fascinated with soil and water sciences, and precision agriculture.

Kyle is part of the Agricultural Systems Management (ASM) club. He called the camaraderie of that group a big help in transitioning to the campus community. “It helps introverts like me,” he said. He loved listening to the speakers from a variety of companies at the meetings. “We learned about so many different companies,” he said. Many company representatives also shared personal stories of what working in the industry was like. The insights were invaluable, helping Kyle and other students realize many paths to success.

He attended the Farm Science Review with the ASM Club and also worked at the lawn mower clinic. He enjoys working on machinery, finding and repairing old farm equipment.

Kyle completed his first internship by serving his alma mater, South Gallia High School, as turf and grounds intern. He also interned in production and agronomy with Beck’s Superior Hybrids on a farm in Chillicothe, Ohio. In January, he started a position with Select Sires Member Cooperative (SSMC), formerly Select Sires.

At Beck’s, Kyle appreciated the three-day on-boarding event held at the company’s headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. He appreciated the research experience even more. He participated in the second of a two-year project to grow a special hybrid of dandelion with potential use for the creation of latex. After some trial and error, including one failed crop and trouble with the machine for transplanting, they were able to grow and harvest the plants.

His current work with SSMC is focused on using new artificial insemination technology to improve breeding cows. Kyle is excited about this work, also. “There are so many options in this industry,” he said. He is also gathering information for his Captone project. When he completes it, he’ll have a feasibility statement for farmers to introduce new automation equipment into smaller farms.

In addition to excelling in the classroom and at his internships, Kyle found time to enjoy being a Buckeye. “The atmosphere that comes with being an Ohio State fan in the stadium on football game day is second to none,” he said.

Kyle is looking forward to starting his career in the agricultural industry, and perhaps own his own landscape and excavating business.

Service, involvement, and accolades: Dean’s List