The following was published as “Success On A Small Scale In Baldwin” by the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance as part of their recent Talent Attraction brand launch.
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Meet Christina Woerner McInnis, a visionary fifth-generation farmer and the mind behind AgriTech Corp. located in Baldwin County. Her journey began in 2017 when her father tasked her with auditing their family garden center in Pensacola, Fla. What started as a routine examination turned into a revelation—countless individuals approached McInnis with the same complaint: “Something is wrong with my lawn.”
In response, McInnis consistently inquired about soil tests, realizing the process people had to endure to address their lawn issues. She empathized with the need for precise solutions, drawing a parallel between caring for her four children’s health and nurturing the health of the soil. “I wanted to provide a prescriptive approach based on science,” McInnis emphasized. “We are going to give a prescriptive approach based off of the science,” McInnis said. “I knew that I wanted to create a simple soil test for the consumer, because a regular user doesn’t know what two pounds of nitrogen in the growing season means.”
As the project evolved, McInnis transformed her endeavor into what she proudly calls a software experience—SoilKit 365. This platform aims to empower users every day of the year, offering a comprehensive solution to soil-related challenges. Looking ahead to 2024, McInnis shared her plans to introduce new features, including a Telehealth session. This feature allows users to schedule consultations with experts nationwide, bridging the gap between localized issues and expert solutions. Navigating the agriculture-technology sector, McInnis highlighted the neglect of homeowners and hobby farmers by technology. She emphasized the importance of a gradual integration of technology, ensuring users can absorb and adapt to the changes seamlessly. “When you overlay technology, you have to do it one step at a time,” McInnis said. “Youhave to really sit back and see how the user is absorbing it. It’s crazy because people are now banking online, and we were still relying on old methods.”
At AgriTech, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment. McInnis stressed the pivotal role of soil health in achieving overall sustainability. By addressing soil issues with SoilKit, the company aims to heal not just the soil but also the crops, preventing the release of harmful carbon associated with the unnecessary ripping up of neglected lawns. “It’s so important, sustainability wise, that we help you heal, but we also give you warning signs where you have gone over, and you need to pull back on nutrients you’ve been putting out,” McInnis said.
Surrounded by a team of brilliant minds, McInnis believes in the power of collaboration, especially for small businesses. “Having those voices of incredibly smart team members has helped me get over the hurdle of that everyday change,” McInnis reflected. In 2023, McInnis was awarded Alabama Rural-owned Small Business of the Year. Intrigued to learn more about the Baldwin County company AgriTech Corp.? Discover the innovative solutions and transformative journey of this trailblazing company by visiting their website at www.soilkit.com.
