By Andi Anderson
Alexa Skirmont, a PCM Specialist, has spent five years working closely with farmers in Northern Illinois, helping them make informed decisions about their operations.
Her work focuses on supporting grain farmers across Ogle, LaSalle, Lee, DeKalb, Boone, and Winnebago Counties. Through her role, she analyzes field data, identifies cost-saving options, and helps farmers understand that higher production does not always mean higher profit.
“Seeing farmers make confident, data-driven decisions is very fulfilling to me,” she says.
Over time, Alexa noticed a shift in how farmers think about success. Traditionally, many farmers focused mainly on increasing yield. However, her experience showed that profitability depends on several factors, not just the number of bushels produced.
This idea became clear during a PCM event when one of her farmers presented his own analysis. He showed that higher yields did not always lead to better profits.
“Before working for PCM, I had rarely heard farmers talk about profitability as a higher priority than yield,” Alexa says. “Hearing him confidently share that message with other growers showed me the real impact PCM has in helping shift the mindset from chasing maximum yield to focusing on overall profitability.”
Alexa believes that every farming operation is unique. She avoids giving general advice and instead works to understand each farmer’s goals, challenges, and available resources. By studying their data closely, she tailors recommendations that suit individual needs.
“I try to understand the bigger picture of each operation and what’s realistic for that farmer and their goals,” she says.
Building trust has been a key part of her journey. Farmers often reach out with important questions, which she sees as a sign of strong relationships. She values these interactions and believes they lead to better decision-making.
“My role isn’t to tell farmers what to do. It’s more about being a resource and partner in the decision-making process. Those conversations are often where the strongest relationships are built.”
With five years of experience, Alexa has gained deep knowledge of regional farming conditions. This helps her offer practical guidance based on real challenges faced by farmers in Northern Illinois. Her work continues to support farmers in improving their operations through informed, data-driven choices.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Illinois, Crops