"During my internship at an agricultural company, I confused soybeans with corn. I was embarrassed. But that’s where my story began."
This is not just a talk about agro drones. It’s the real-life story of a person who went from knowing absolutely nothing about agriculture to becoming the founder of a company now known across the country. Mykola Chernyak, founder of AGRONIX, shares his personal journey, failures, insights, and the principles that helped him succeed.
We frequently speak at agricultural events and universities across Ukraine. Each lecture focuses on agro drones, application techniques, AGRONIX’s experience, economics, safety, and training. However, each session has its own unique angle, emphasis, and value.
Below is a brief summary of what you will learn from this talk. Enjoy watching!
From Embarrassment to Finding My Path
It all started in the 4th year of university. During an internship at the “Kolos” agricultural company, Mykola mistook soybeans for corn. Back then — it was embarrassing. Now — a funny memory.
After university came a brief stint at Comfy, a first experience in sales, and the realization:
"I don’t want to be an agronomist. But I do want to be in agriculture. I’m better at handling the tech, setting up processes, and thinking through the logic."
That became the motivation to dive into agrochemistry.
Starting in Agrochemistry: The Right Timing and the Right People
Mykola Chernyak entered the agrochemical distribution field just as the generics market was beginning to take shape. He was fortunate to meet Herbert Steffes — a man who changed the game in the segment of beet herbicides.
"Steffes broke Betonall down into active ingredients and taught the market to think specifically. It was a revolution — and I was lucky to be part of it."
This period gave not only expertise, but also a deep understanding of how a market is created and why it’s not always the strongest who win — but the most precise.
Founding a Company. A Partner. A Loss. A Restart.
Next came the phase of launching his own company with a partner. The business was growing — until one day, the partner disappeared with the money. A complete reset.
"It was painful. But that was when I realized I had to build the company differently. Without illusions. With maximum responsibility."
That’s how AGRONIX was born — this time without partners, built on experience and personal mistakes.
Growth Formula from Mykola Chernyak
Chernyak shares his personal and career growth formula:
10,000 hours in the field — like Malcolm Gladwell says.
Six months — for full immersion.
Another six months — for self-study, depth, and understanding the details.
Then — working in top positions or launching your own venture.
And finally — a choice: to scale up or stay in the craft zone.
"If you have a choice between a $10 product and the same one for $11 with a guarantee — you’ll pick the second. It’s the same with people."
Who Is This Path For?
Mykola is convinced — agro drones are a field where anyone can grow. It doesn’t matter who you were before.
Some will become great pilots.
Some — technical support engineers.
Some — top managers at agro companies.
And some — will build their own brand, team, and business.
"This is the freshest, most dynamic topic in agriculture. And you can still be the first in your region."
The Agrochemical Market = The Pharmaceutical Market
Mykola draws an interesting parallel:
Bayer once held the patent for aspirin.
Seven years later — generics appeared on the market.
Today aspirin comes under dozens of brand names, but the core remains the same.
The same goes for agrochemistry. In his first year on the market, there were already 120 glyphosate products. You don’t need to know them all.
"You need to understand what to use, why, and when."
Why This Story Matters
This presentation isn’t about drones, water rates, or droplet microns.
It’s about:
how not to give up after failure;
how to recognize your talent even in embarrassing mistakes;
how not to be afraid to change direction;
and how to rebuild yourself from scratch when nothing around you is fully formed.
"If you’re unsure what to do right now — take a closer look at agro drones. It’s all just beginning."
And Most Importantly — You Don’t Have to Be a Genius
"I wasn’t the best student. But I was always genuinely interested in what I did. And that’s the real fuel."
Today, AGRONIX is:
its own training base;
a team of pilots and technicians;
its own training system;
thousands of hectares treated;
and hundreds of students who change their lives after a three-day course.
This isn’t a fairy tale. This is a path. And it’s open to everyone.
