Pivot Bio Supports Penn State Ag Student Organizations

By Blake Jackson

Three student organizations in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences are receiving new support from Pivot Bio, a company focused on improving crop production through targeted nitrogen delivery products, according to Katie Bohn of Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

The company presented a gift to the Agribusiness Management, Agronomy and Dairy Science clubs during its visit to Penn State’s University Park campus on September 26, 2026.

The visit coincided with the university’s Homecoming football game against the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The contribution was part of Pivot Bio’s Year of One Million Thanks Buddy Seat Tour, a nationwide initiative designed to recognize and thank farmers for their contributions to American agriculture.

Troy Ott, Peter and Ann Tombros, Dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, joined student club members to receive the donation.

“Student success through hands-on learning and involvement is a core tenet of the College of Agricultural Sciences,” he said. “We’re thankful for Pivot Bio’s support, which will help fuel the academic and professional journeys of our students.”

Travis Frey, Pivot Bio’s chief technology officer and an alumnus of both Penn State and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said bringing the tour to the two universities was appropriate because of their strong agricultural traditions.

“These universities helped shape how I think about science and its potential to expand what’s possible for farmers,” Frey said. “But the real measure of innovation is what happens when it reaches the farm. Working directly with farmers is how we keep pushing the science toward what the ag industry needs next.”

A working tractor is featured at each stop on the tour as a symbol of the strength and determination of American farmers. Pivot Bio identified the tractor through Tom Boedeker, a 69-year-old farmer with Boedeker Brothers Farm near Elsberry, Missouri.

The fourth-generation family farm began in 1936. The tractor, known as the Grati-Tractor, remains in operation and is owned by Boedeker Brothers Farms, while Boedeker serves as an honorary farm ambassador for the tour.

The Agribusiness Management Club helps students develop professional and educational skills related to food and agricultural businesses. The Agronomy Club welcomes students interested in areas including agronomy, plant science, crop science, animal science and agribusiness management.

The Dairy Science Club is open to students across Penn State who have an interest in the dairy industry and emphasizes promotional, educational and service activities.

Photo Credit: penn-state