Lubbock, Texas, USA
February 11, 2011

Steve M. Hawkins is named chief executive officer of Smartfield, an innovator in plant information technology. Hawkins was partner in The Context Network, a business management consulting firm specializing in agriculture. Hawkins is a 40-year veteran in the agricultural industry whose previous post included president and COO of Delta and Pine Land and held leadership positions in Asgrow Seed Company.

"Agriculture technology has always been at the heart of my career," Hawkins said. "Smartfield offers a unique opportunity to leverage my experience and interest to lead a young and progressive team dedicated to providing information to growers and their suppliers to make better decisions with more information." In addition to overseeing the launch of industry innovations such as genetically modified soybean and cotton seed, Hawkins has been active in helping startup companies find partners and commercialize new technologies.

"We're pleased to have someone of Steve's caliber take the helm of Smartfield," says David Sharbutt, chairman of the board of Smartfield. "His track record of leading some of the largest and most-progressive agri-business organizations will help drive growth and innovation at Smartfield," Sharbutt said.

Smartfield develops plant monitoring technology to optimize crop production practices such as irrigation and provide selection tools for providers of goods and services to these growers.

Website: http://www.smartfield.com/

Published: February 11, 2011