Lakeland, Florida, October 18, 2022 – Employee-owned Harrell's, LLC is pleased to announce that Dr. Aaron Palmateer has joined the Harrell's family as a new Director of Agronomy, specializing in horticulture.
Dr. Palmateer has been involved in the horticulture industry for over 18 years. After receiving his bachelor’s and master's degrees in plant and soil science from Southern Illinois University, Dr. Palmateer went on to receive his Ph.D. in plant pathology from Auburn University. Soon after, an opportunity opened for Dr. Palmateer to move to Florida and join the faculty at the University of Florida.
While at UF, he oversaw a plant diagnostic clinic. This opportunity exposed him to thousands of different plant diseases, pests and disorders. During his time in diagnostics, he also performed many in-depth research trials, developing a plethora of experience in unique efficacy trials. This experience set the stage for Dr. Palmateer to transition from academia to the technical side of horticulture. After nearly 13 years on faculty at UF, Dr. Palmateer went to work at Bayer as a technical development manager. Five years later, he transitioned to SePRO in technical development, which was his most recent position before coming on as a Director of Agronomy at Harrell's.
Dr. Palmateer looks forward to working with the sales team at Harrell's, offering technical support, but also investigating new product opportunities as unique problems arise. He is excited about the innovation potential that the industry holds at a national level and working with our team to find the best solutions to the toughest horticulture problems. Regarding the golf industry, Dr. Palmateer said, "golf courses have plants too, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues who support the turfgrass industry by providing expertise on managing pests and diseases of ornamental plantings on and around golf courses."
“We are excited to add another industry-leading Ph.D. to our Research & Development team. Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge to our Ornamental division that we have never had before! We are looking forward to an exciting future, one in which Aaron will play a significant part.” Said Jack Harrell III, regarding Dr. Palmateer joining Harrell's.
About Harrell’s, LLC- In addition to being one of the nation’s largest distributors of branded fungicides, herbicides and insecticides, Harrell’s produces top-quality, custom-blended fertilizers, specialty liquids, and wetting agents. Harrell’s guarantees stringent quality control procedures, tight manufacturing specifications and careful selection of raw materials for each product that carries the Harrell’s name. Harrell’s is also the owner, world-class formulator and sole world distributor of POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer, the industry’s superior controlled-release fertilizer technology.
For more information about Harrell’s, including the company’s core values to serve, honor and glorify God, take care of people, and grow in financial strength, visit www.harrells.com.