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OUR STORY
Performance Crop Research (PCR) was founded in 2018 to answer a need of conducting high-quality, timely research in the Kansas area. PCR continues to grow to meet the demands of the clients and research community needs on a variety of crops and products. PCR understands that as agriculture producers continue to work on maximizing yields on reduced acreage, products must be in place to support challenging growing conditions, resistant weeds and developing seed varieties.
PCR started as a one-employee operation with a simple White 5100 4 Row Planter, a Hege 160 combine and a dream. We've now expanded to 4 full-time staff and 4 summer interns. The foundation of maintaining an exceptional quality of work, effective communication, and meeting our clients' needs remains the primary focus of our company. Without our clients' questions being answered on their developing products on performance in this area, we don't have a business. Taking care of our clients is our number one priority.
THE TEAM
Melissa Nelson
Melissa Nelson is the founding field scientist behind Performance Crop Research. In addition to being a renowned crop researcher, Melissa is also heading up a hemp fiber revolution. Learn more about her hemp business below.
Aaron Baldwin
Aaron is a fourth-generation farmer with expertise in corn, winter wheat, soybeans and industrial hemp. He has his bachelor's degree from Kansas State University in agricultural management.
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Aaron has two children and is married to Melissa.
Troy Ostmeyer
Troy was born and raised in Hoxie, Kansas where he worked on a large farm and ranch operation for more than seven years. He has his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State University in agronomy, and he is currently working on his Ph.D. in plant and soil science from Texas Tech University. He will graduate in the spring of 2023. His experience includes the sorghum breeding project at the Kansas Sate University Agricultural Research Center in Hays, Kansas. He is married to Kori and together, they have a daughter, Madelyn.
Edith Ikuze
Edith is from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduated a Master of Science in Entomology, focusing on plant-insect interactions. Her focus has been researching the sources of resistance in sorghum against sugarcane aphids (Melanaphis sacchari) by using different molecular techniques and greenhouse bioassays.
Her goal is to contribute to advancing entomological knowledge and conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services. She is passionate about learning new skills, collaborating with diverse teams, communicating science to the general public, and applying scientific methods to real-world problems.
Kade Huddleston
Kade’s family has been rooted in central Kansas for generations. He was raised in Great Bend. He has always been interested in agriculture and the science behind it. He took this interest and has expanded his knowledge through experience and education. After getting his associate degree, he began working at a plant nursery and landscaping company for three years where he gained more hands-on experience with plants and how to care for them. Kade joined the PCR team in 2022 and with his experience and attention to detail he helps manage the GLP division of PCR.
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Arturo Amaro Jr.
Arturo was born in Dodge City, Kansas and has lived throughout Central and Southwest Kansas most of his life. His passion for agriculture grew with the industrial hemp movement where he found new chances to educate others on the growing industry and the products being produced. Arturo has operated a small educational hemp farm in SWKS through a nonprofit organization for the past 3 years as well as a small-scale digital marketing company. Arturo is the newest member of the PCR team assisting with research, community outreach, and grant writing support.