Exceptional soil nutrient pioneer recognized for research

Feature photo of Eric Bremer: Western Ag Innovations

Congratulations to Dr. Eric Bremer for his well-deserved award!

Dr. Eric Bremer received the Soil Science Industry and Professional Leadership Award for 2024 by the Soil Science Society of America due to his outstanding contributions through education, national and international service, and research.  

The award recognizes Bremer’s achievement in managing the global use of Plant Root Simulator (PRS) probes for soil nutrient research since 2011. 

While working at Western Ag Innovations, Bremer led numerous innovative research partnerships with Farming Smarter. He evaluated new cropping systems, such as winter crops, and supplied continued research into PRS probes.  

Through Farming Smarter, Bremer helped producers in southern Alberta improve operations. He’s always eager to visit the sites and brings a smile with each visit.  

Long time Farming Smarter staff have fond memories of the work Bremer contributed during the early days of the organization. Before there was a dedicated scientist, Bremer was always ready to help if asked. His assistance with statistics and guidance on project or trial designs allowed the team to submit high quality reports. 

To them, Bremer’s award is well deserved. His practical sense always kept farmers interests at the heart of research. 

“Eric’s insight helped us build our early brand and reputation. The reassurance he provided emboldened us and put confidence into the research we did,” says Ken Coles, Farming Smarter Executive Director. 

Commercial Innovation lead Trevor Deering appreciates the unbiased perspective Bremer brings to the field. 

“He’s diligent and looks at a problem from every angle. Soils are so complex, yet he always brings an unbiased perspective to the field,” Deering states. 

As Farming Smarter’s Commercial Innovation program team lead, Deering researches a multitude of products. Bremer’s humble nature and unbiased perspective are what draws Deering to appreciate his products.  

“Eric doesn’t sell to sell – he’s more eager to expand science and help the farmer – he sells what he sells because it’s the right thing and backed by research,” says Deering. 

Since 2022, Deering and Bremer have worked together on multiple projects to continue knowledge surrounding PRS probes. Bremer also works alongside Mike Gretzinger Research Coordinator of the Agronomy Research program. 

“His expertise with the PRS probes is pivotal for our Saving Soils projects. He has fantastic insight on the placement for desirable tracking of soil nutrients,” says Gretzinger. 

For Gretzinger, Bremer’s biggest boon is his ability to stay focused on the purpose of the trial. 

“Eric always reminds us to focus on the main project question. It’s always back to the objective and then apply the science from there,” he adds. 

Gretzinger is no stranger to Bremer’s lasting insight. Both he and Lewis Baarda, Field Tested lead, attribute Bremer’s mentorship on project statistics as pivotal moments in their early careers. 

“When I started here, I was doing a lot of work on statistics and Eric’s mentorship gave me tools that helped me better understand the full picture,” Baarda comments. 

Bremer’s support and work with Farming Smarter helped not only the full-time staff, but the leagues of annual summer students as well. 

One of Bremer’s most appreciated traits is his humility and ability to treat everyone he mentors as an equal. It’s all smiles when he visits to teach students about the PRS probes as he showcases his exceptional mentor skills. 

He demonstrates a phenomenal ability to convey instruction information in a way that’s fun yet lasting. Returning students anticipate his visits as they know they’re in for a joyful day and new students leave confident in newfound knowledge.