Speakers

Austin Omer is an accomplished water stewardship and natural resource management expert with extensive experience in agriculture, forestry, and environmental policy. Currently serving as a technical leader at Ostara in agronomy, corporate sustainability, and ecosystem services research and development, he provides strategic support through data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and industry leadership. His expertise in agricultural water conservation and replenishment, water quality management, GHG emissions and conservation practice implementation has positioned him as a key thought leader in sustainable land and water stewardship. Prior to his current role, Austin worked at Bayer Crop Science, where he led initiatives to enhance farmer profitability through ecosystem service markets and optimized capabilities for microenterprise growth. He has also served as Associate Director of Natural Resource Policy at the Illinois Farm Bureau, where he collaborated with academic, state, and federal stakeholders to develop and advocate for natural resource programs. Additionally, his experience as a hydrologist and research associate has contributed to his deep understanding of watershed health and agricultural sustainability. Austin holds a Ph.D. in Forest Resources with a focus on agricultural water quality and nutrient management from Mississippi State University. He also earned a Master of Science in Agricultural Animal Science from Illinois State University, along with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Agriculture Animal Science. Residing in Morton, Illinois—the Pumpkin Capital of the World!