FieldWatch is a non-profit company whose mission is to develop and provide free mapping tools intended to enhance communications that promote awareness and environmental stewardship activities between crop producers, beekeepers, seed companies and pesticide applicators. Originally designed by Purdue University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department with input and support from Purdue University Cooperative Extension, FieldWatch quickly evolved into a national collaborative.

Bernie Engel is the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture for the Purdue College of Agriculture and was the ‘father’ of DriftWatch alongside Steve Smith of Red Gold Tomatoes. Bernie gives a great history of FieldWatch and the registries that lead to FieldWatch as a non-profit after the development of DriftWatch by he and the Purdue College of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Dean Engel continues to this day as a FieldWatch Board member as well.

“Growing Future Scholars: Through Red Gold Executive’s Memorial”

Please read this tribute to Steve Smith, one of the founding members of FieldWatch, former senior director of agriculture for Red Gold and a 2009 Purdue Distinguished Agriculture Alumni Award winner. He sadly passed away in 2021, and his colleagues wanted to highlight the impacts that Smith made to agriculture, where he focused on protecting sensitive crops by founding a coalition and being active in many industry endeavors. To honor his legacy, Smith’s co-workers, friends and family created a scholarship through the Purdue College of Agriculture.

FieldWatch CEO Bob Walters said, “He had this ability to reach across the table, strip out the facts and build relationships…It’s amazing…how many relationships he built that benefited all of us who worked for him.” Read the full article here.

“FieldWatch Outstanding Service Award Winner”

Debbie Hamrick received the FieldWatch Outstanding Service Award in the summer of 2024 for her three-year commitment to serving on the board of directors.

In this photo, Debbie is receiving this award from Bob Walters, FieldWatch CEO. Debbie has helped FieldWatch grow and fulfill its mission to enhance communications and promote awareness and environmental stewardship activities. She serves as the Director of Specialty Crops for the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation.

We thank her for her service to FieldWatch!

A major priority of FieldWatch is maintaining balanced stakeholder representation on the board of directors. We also seek to develop a stewardship tool that is acceptable and brings value to all stakeholders. To ensure this balance, the FieldWatch board consists of four groups: Producers (growers and beekeepers), Applicators, Manufacturers and At-Large. Purdue University also maintains a permanent ex-officio position on the board of directors.