Danny Pierce is top cotton consultant
atching up with Danny Pierce isn’t easy. Cotton Farming magazine’s 2003 Cotton Consultant of the Year is a man on the go, working out in the field most days. “I love being outside,” Pierce says. “That’s one of the things I like best about what I do.” But becoming such a respected and sought-after cotton consultant requires a great deal more than just “being outside.” Danny Pierce has put in countless hours talking with customers, observing field conditions, doing research, studying and making recommendations since he started his business in 1981. Pierce is known for his ability to quickly analyze a problem in the field and give immediate advice.
Twelve growers depend on Pierce to help them manage 10,000 acres of cotton, 12,500 acres of soil sampling and 2,000 acres of soybeans. He also farms 120 acres of his own cotton. All of his clients live within 20 miles of his home in Princeton.
“I really enjoy helping my customers,” Pierce says. “I talk with them in person, observe their field conditions, and then I make on-the-spot recommendations.” Pierce carries a lot of research-based information in his head, but he also at times has to study a situation before making recommendations to a farmer. He finds technology useful, but he says it can’t take the place of direct contact between the consultant and the farmer.
For his customers, Pierce evaluates insect and weed problems, suggests the best varieties for the farm conditions, samples soil, recommends nutrients, helps with farm planning and more.
Pierce, a 1976 graduate of the College, is only the second North Carolinian to be named Cotton Consultant of the Year in the 23 years the award has been given. He earned his bachelor’s degree in pest management and did further studies in entomology.
“When I went back to do work on a master’s, I took the classes I wanted, like soils classes and entomology classes” he said. “These and my bachelor’s degree have helped me a lot.”
He and his wife, Sheree, have two children, Carla, a student at East Carolina University, and Chris, a high school student. In his spare time, Pierce likes to fish and hunt with his son.
Before becoming a consultant, Pierce worked for the United States Department of Agriculture in North Carolina’s boll weevil eradication program.
He is a member of the American Society of Agronomy, the N.C. Irrigation Association, the Crop Protection Association of North Carolina and the N.C. Ag Consultants Association.
— Alexandra Mordecai