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Matt Harrod
COO at Scythe & Spade Company
Professional Background
Matt Harrod is a highly accomplished agricultural economics and supply chain professional, recognized for his extensive expertise and leadership in specialty crop production and supply chain management. With over two decades of experience in various facets of agriculture, Matt has developed an impressive career path marked by significant achievements in contract development, supply risk management, and agricultural policy analysis. His proficiency in hedging strategies and investment analysis has made him a valuable asset in the agribusiness sector.
Early Career
Matt began his journey in the agricultural industry as an agronomist, production contractor, and facility manager for Weaver Popcorn. His work spanned across eight states, including the Midwest, High Plains, and Pacific Northwest. During his tenure at Weaver, he was pivotal in managing farm contract production planning and logistics, which involved the intricate management of over 300 million pounds of Identity Preserved raw popcorn production. This initial role laid the groundwork for Matt's deep understanding of the agricultural supply chain and honed his skills in optimizing resource usage and inventory management.
Advanced Roles and Contributions
As his career progressed, Matt took on advanced roles that further showcased his expertise. He served as the Deputy Agricultural Secretary in Indiana, where he played a crucial role in shaping agricultural policies and strategies that benefited the state's farming communities. Following this role, he transitioned to BP, where he held the position of Agricultural Economics and Strategy Manager for the company's North American Biofuels group. In this capacity, he focused on biofuels from ligno-cellulosic sources, contributing significantly to the development of strategic initiatives in renewable energy.
Most recently, Matt served as the Director of U.S. Supply Chain Development at Chemtex International, where he was responsible for overseeing cellulosic ethanol projects. In this role, Matt successfully designed and contracted multi-feedstock biomass supply chains that totaled over 5 million tons and represented an impressive $246 million investment across various U.S. states and regions. His innovative approaches to supply chain development have established benchmarks in the industry and fostered sustainable agricultural practices.
Skill Set and Expertise
Matt's exceptional skills in statistical modeling, Monte Carlo simulation, and financial analysis set him apart as a leader in agricultural economics. His proficiency in using advanced tools such as Excel and @Risk simulation software, along with his expertise in regression and optimization techniques, empowers him to make data-driven decisions that enhance productivity and minimize risk in agricultural operations. These analytical capabilities are complemented by his hands-on experience in contract management and supply risk mitigation.
Education and Achievements
Matt Harrod completed his academic journey at Purdue University, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science in Animal Agribusiness Management and an MBA in Food & Agribusiness from the prestigious Krannert School of Management. His formal education has provided him with a robust foundation in economics and business principles, which he effectively applies in his professional undertakings.
Professional Organizations and Leadership
In addition to his numerous professional roles, Matt has been an integral part of various organizations that promote agricultural excellence. He currently serves as the COO of Scythe & Spade Company, where he continues to leverage his extensive experience to drive innovation and sustainability within the agribusiness sector. Prior to this, he was a Principal at Rock Creek Agricultural Economics and Strategy, where he provided strategic insights and analytical support to clients seeking to navigate complex agricultural markets.
Throughout his career, Matt has also held leadership positions at the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, including Deputy Director and Assistant Director of Research & Policy. His contributions during this time were instrumental in formulating and implementing policies that positively impacted the agricultural landscape in Indiana.
Matt's professional journey has taken him across four continents, where he has engaged in initiatives aimed at enhancing global agricultural practices and supply chain efficiencies. His international experience has enriched his perspective and fortified his commitment to advancing the agricultural industry on a global scale.
Achievements
With a rich history of achievements, Matt Harrod has established himself as a thought leader in agricultural economics and supply chain management. He is recognized for his strategic insights and innovative approaches that have led to the successful realization of significant biomass supply chains, ultimately promoting sustainable practices in energy production.
His work has not gone unnoticed, as he has received accolades for his contributions to agricultural policy and economic strategy, earning him respect among industry peers and stakeholders. As he continues to pursue new opportunities, Matt remains dedicated to driving advancements in the agricultural sector, advocating for policies that support sustainable agricultural practices, and fostering collaborations that lead to impactful outcomes in the industry.
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