Dr. Alan Blaine grew up working for Burchfield Farms (a dairy and row crop farm) in Ethel, MS. After graduating high school he attended Mississippi State University where he graduated with a Bachelors in Animal Science. Alan went on to obtain a Masters in Agronomy with a minor in Plant Pathology and a Doctorate in Philosophy in Agronomy with a minor in Plant Pathology. During the summers in college, Alan worked for numerous firms in the pipe line construction business.

After graduating college, Alan held many job positions working for the MSU Extension Service. He began as a research assistant in the Northeast Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station in Verona. In February 1987, Alan took the position of Assistant Superintendent/Research Associate at the Pontotoc Ridge/Flatwoods branch of MSU’s Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, later taking on the role of Area Agronomist in November 1987. In 1990 Alan moved back to Starkville to become the Assistant Extension Professor/Agronomist and later became the Associate Professor. Alan took on the job of Extension Agronomist/Professor (State Soybean Specialist) in 1997 and continued until 2005. In August of 2005 he was promoted to Head Professor of the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Verona, MS.

While working for the MSU Extension Service, Alan put together numerous publications and presentations. He also earned many awards and scholarships. Alan is a member of numerous professional organizations and is a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) on a state and national level. He is also a licensed and certified Commercial Applicator and a licensed Consultant. Alan is an elected board member of the Mississippi Land Bank as well, where he serves as Vice Chairman.

In 2008, Alan co-founded Southern Ag Consulting with Mitt Wardlaw and Brian “Bozo” Ward where he continues to work today. In 2009 he also helped to co-found Alliance Ag Risk Management. In addition to both companies, Alan operates his own timber, hay, and cattle farm.

Alan currently resides in Starkville, MS with his wife Emily and their children and grandson. When not working in the office or field, Alan enjoys spending time with his family and friends and hunting.

E-mail: alan@southernaginc.com