On the Record: Tami Craig Schilling
Tami Craig Schilling spent three decades working for agribusiness corporations before retiring from her role as vice president of agronomic digital innovation at Bayer Crop Science in 2025. The experiences that shaped her path and the opportunities that continue to drive her work in agriculture all started with FFA.
Q: You’re an FFA alumna and former Illinois FFA state officer. How did those experiences shape your career path
A: I grew up on a livestock operation in southeast Illinois, so agriculture was always part of my life. I didn’t fully understand the scope of the industry until I joined FFA. I studied agricultural communications at the University of Illinois with plans to be an ag lobbyist but landed a crop chemical sales internship. Thanks to the FFA agronomy and soils contests, I had the confidence to explore a new path that ultimately shaped my entire career.
Q: What were some key moments in your career?
A: Joining Monsanto right out of college, an early key moment was realizing the impact you can have by staying close to farmers and their needs. I worked across multiple functions, including research and development, sustainability and corporate communications and helped lead efforts in developing digital tools for agriculture. Serving on the National FFA Sponsors Board representing Bayer was a full-circle moment for me.
Q: How did FFA prepare you for career success?
A: FFA prepared me for success by building early leadership, communication skills and discipline — giving me the confidence to step forward, think broadly and turn ideas into action. More than anything, it instilled a belief that I could lead and make an impact, no matter where I started.
Q: You retired in 2025 to start your own business, DeepRoot Strategies. What lead to that decision?
A: It didn’t feel like an ending so much as a natural next step. I found myself drawn to where agriculture is heading — especially the role of AI, digital tools and new business models. Now, I advise companies, speak on ag innovation and work with clients to fulfill my life’s passion of bringing innovation tot he farm and those who serve the industry.
