Warren Bills
Digital Farming Business Development - Bayer Crop Science
I was born/grew up in: Born Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada. Grew up in Marwayne, Alberta, Canada.
I now live in: Landon, Alberta, Canada
I completed my training/education at: University of Alberta, Crop Science Major
Describe what you do at work.
During my career I've enjoyed being an entrepreneur, and now an intrapreneur. My days have never been routine and every week brings new challenges. Early on in my career I utilize specific skills around science and technology - understanding the deep agronomic field of growing food, and later bolting on sensors, data, and maps to this agronomic mindset. I enjoy solving not only agronomic problems, but business problems. Having a unique ability to bridge agronomic science with business needs has allowed me to bring numerous ideas into the market. Building, measuring, failing, pivoting are all techniques I've learned through being a part of startup ideas and global teams to make decisions. Adopting my mindset to appreciate everyone's unique working styles inside the company and the minds of the customers has been enjoyable.
When I was a student I enjoyed:
How does your job affect people’s lives?
I'm motivated to do my part by helping grow food in a safe, reliable, sustainable, and profitable way. To sustain a growing planet population, being involved in Agriculture to me is one of the most noble professions. This is rewarding through the progress I get to witness on farms and in businesses.
What motivates you in your career?
I enjoy a startup environment. One that has identified new problems and is working vigorously to solve them. I enjoy out of the box thinking, bleeding edge technology, and teaching to those unaware of the opportunities ahead of us. Creating a mindset of abundance and opportunity in myself and others is something truly rewarding.
When I was a student, I would have described myself as someone who:
Describe your career path to this career.
When I was in high school I was planning to be a chiropractor. Little did I know that my roots on the farm would be so influential to my career path. After this breakthrough and turning towards agriculture I was pushed in the specific direction of agriculture technology through the on farm experiences, recognizing that a gap existed for support in this area. Rather than stand by and watch I quit my job and started my first company at age 24. I learned to be lean, fail fast, and surround myself with those who followed the same principles as I did.
What activities do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy family time. I love to fish and camp. Volunteering through or church allows me time to pay it forward.
What advice or encouragement would you give others seeking a similar career?
The agriculture industry on the surface may appear steady and traditional. Underneath the surface is nearly every opportunity you could imagine. Dig deep, be curious.
Let’s Talk Science recognizes and thanks Warren Bills for his contribution to Canada 2067.