Propane Personality: PERC’s Michael Newland

Michael Newland, Director, Agriculture Business Development, PERC

EDUCATION

Bluffton University (Ohio)
Bachelor’s in Organizational Management
Class of 2002

WORK EXPERIENCE

1996-2004
Asgrow Seed
Territory Manager

2004-09
GO-Ethanol
Business Development Manager / Premium Hybrid Sourcing Manager

2009-10
Advanced Agro-Solutions
Seed Sales Manager

2010-12
Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.
Account Manager

2012-16
Wilton Agricultural Strategies
Director of Field Operations, Agriculture Resources Intelligence

2017
MagGrow
Vice President of Sales and Operations

2017-18
AgYield
Business Development Executive

2018-Present
Propane Education & Research Council
Director of Agriculture Business Development

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WHAT WILL YOU BE FOCUSING ON WITH PERC?

“I will be working on continuing projects in the agriculture [business development sector] that Cinch Munson has started. In addition, I will continue to drive ag messaging for the propane industry and to research opportunities to expand the reach of propane in the ag space.”

WHAT IS THE MAIN GOAL YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH?

“My main goal at PERC is to support and push meaningful messages that benefit propane marketers in all parts of the United States as they pertain to agriculture. We have opportunities in agriculture as many new regulations are implemented in the United States. Propane is a clean-burning fuel that many in agriculture are already familiar with. My goal is to continue to push that message and help develop new technologies that help our ag customers meet those new requirements. We have new technologies that are exciting as agriculture markets shift to less [environmentally] impactful solutions to control weeds and pests.”

ON WORKING WITH PERC

“Since my start in September, I have been impressed with the entire PERC staff and with our governing bodies.”

HOW CAN PROPANE MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY?

“Propane is being used to develop new technologies that will provide growers with weed and pest solutions that meet the new era of producing crops without impact to the environment. PERC will continue to push the irrigation and stationary engine, building heat, water heat, and grain drying sectors and support continuing innovations in those markets.”

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED

“Surround yourself with great people.”

HOBBIES

“When not working, I enjoy traveling with my wife (Lisa) and two children (Griffin and Ella). I also enjoy barbecuing and creating tasty treats on
my backyard smoker.”