Ostara Names Michael Howell Vice President of Agronomy to Advance High-Efficiency Nutrient Performance
May 19, 2026 Ostara has announced the appointment of Mike Howell as vice president of agronomy. A respected agronomist with more than 20 years of experience across research, extension, and industry, Howell will lead the company’s agronomic strategy, advancing adoption and performance of Ostara’s nutrient solutions.
Howell joins Ostara at a pivotal moment as the company continues to scale its impact in high-efficiency nutrient management. Known for bridging academic rigor with on-farm practicality, he brings deep expertise in crop production, applied research, and translating science, including increased yield potential, reduced application rates, and improved return on investment into measurable value for farmers.
“Mike is the kind of leader who doesn’t just understand agronomy, he knows how to make it work in the real world,” said Tom Snipes, CEO of Ostara. “He’s built his career at the intersection of science and the farm, and that’s exactly where we need to be. As we push to deliver efficient nutrient solutions, Mike will play a critical role in ensuring our products perform where it matters most – in farmers’ fields.”
Prior to joining Ostara, Howell served as senior agronomist at Nutrien, where he led research initiatives, developed agronomic protocols, and supported product adoption through science-based engagement with retailers and farmers. He also hosted Nutrien’s The Dirt Podcast, an award-winning, widely recognized industry platform.
Earlier in his career, Howell held roles with Mississippi State University Extension Service, where he led grower education and research programs that contributed to record yields and expanded crop acreage, and with Monsanto Company, where he managed research on insect-tolerant crops during a period of rapid technology adoption.
He has authored more than 70 scientific publications and presentations and maintains strong relationships across academia, retail and production agriculture. Howell holds a B.S. in Soil Science, an M.S. in Entomology, and is completing a Ph.D.in Agronomy. He is also pursuing an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi.
In his new role, Howell will lead research, technical presentations, and education for growers, retailers, and internal teams, reinforcing Ostara’s commitment to delivering consistent performance, efficiency, and long-term value for farmers and ag retailers.
“Ostara has built a strong foundation of technologies that deliver real value in the field,” Howell said. “I’m excited to help advance innovations like CG P2X and work alongside growers and partners to ensure these solutions translate into measurable performance, efficiency, and long-term sustainability on the farm.”
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