May 5, 2011
Koch Agronomic Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Koch Fertilizer, LLC, has expanded its team of experts, adding Dr. Greg Schwab, Ricardo Silberman and Melissa Noftsger.
Schwab is joining the business as the new director of agronomy and will be based in Wichita, Kan. In his role, he will be leading the research and agronomy capability to develop tools and technologies that can bolster the performance of enhanced efficiency fertilizers. Schwab has extensive experience in soil fertility and management programs both in the United States and internationally having published more than 100 articles and field research projects in soil science, enhanced efficiency fertilizers, and precision agriculture. Schwab joins the Koch Agronomic Services team from the University of Kentucky, where he has worked for the last eight years, recently as an associate extension professor of soil management. He holds a Ph.D. in agronomy from Kansas State University along with a master’s degree in agronomy from Auburn University.
Silberman is joining as sales manager for specialty crop, and will be based in Fresno, Calif. He will have responsibility for working with customers and expanding Koch Agronomic Services’ distribution network for specialty crops throughout the U.S. Silberman has more than 30 years experience in the fertilizer industry, including in the commercialization and product development of value-added fertilizers.
Noftsger will serve as the marketing communications manager for Koch Fertilizer and Koch Agronomic Services, and will be based in Wichita, Kan. She is responsible for advertising and branding initiatives, along with coordinating strategy and programs across the Koch Fertilizer business. Previously, Noftsger served as marketing communication manager at INVISTA, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc. “We are excited to expand our team with the additions of Greg, Ricardo and Melissa,” said Jamil Toubassi, senior vice president of Koch Agronomic Services. “The experience and wealth of knowledge they bring will help us continue to grow as a leader in the industry and as an important platform for Koch Fertilizer. By building a stronger team we will be better equipped to provide enhanced efficiency fertilizer solutions to growers.”
Dr. Greg Schwab can be reached at (316) 828-7084 or greg.schwab@kochind.com. Contact Ricardo Silberman at (559) 439-6685 or ricardo.silberman@kochind.com. Contact Melissa Noftsger at (316) 828-7369 or melissa.noftsger@kochps.com.
Koch Agronomic Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Koch Fertilizer, LLC, is part of a global network with the capability to manufacture, market and distribute more than 13 million tons of fertilizer products annually