The Pioneer Agronomy Professorship is awarded to an Agronomy faculty member who displays excellence in his/her field of scholarship.

Funds from the endowment may be used to support research, teaching, or extension through graduate fellowship support, professional development, seminars, course development, equipment purchases, staff support, and other programs as appropriate.

The holder of the Pioneer Agronomy Professorship is selected by the Chair of the Department of Agronomy based on critical areas of importance within the department's strategic plan. Appointment to the professorship is for a period of three years.