AGRONOMY
The SFG agronomy team strives to build strong working relationships with our producers. Whether your tillage and crop nutrient application practices haven’t changed much over the years, or you’re looking to take advantage of the very latest in technology and precision farming practices, we’ll work with you where you’re at today.
AGRONOMY BLOG
IT ALL BEGINS WITH LISTENING
When you sit down with a SFG agronomist for the first time, you’ll notice we ask a lot of questions. Our goal is to learn as much as we possibly can about your management philosophy, the agronomic challenges you face and your short- and long-term goals— before we make any suggestions ourselves.
The second thing you’ll notice is that just because we have a conversation doesn’t mean you have to buy something, or change the way you like to do things. Sometimes a conversation is just a conversation.
And the third thing you’ll notice is that, like you, we’re in business for the long haul. We’d like our kids and grandkids to take over for us someday. And that means keeping up with the times, working harder than our competitors and being good stewards of what our parents and grandparents have built.
Service is our Specialty
OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
We have expanded the products and services we offer over the years by listening to our customers. If you have expectations that aren’t being met by current suppliers, we invite you to talk to a SFG agronomist. They serve as the quarterback of the SFG team to make sure you get the products and services you need, when you need them.
SFG Agronomy Products: Crop Nutrients, Herbicides, Insecticides & Fungicides
SFG Agronomy Services
Our Agronomy Services include:
• Field Mapping
• Grid Soil Sampling
• Variable Rate Application
• Tissue Sampling
• Split Fertilizer Application
• Crop Scouting and Consulting
• Custom Application
• Drone Services
SUPERCHARGE YOUR CROPS WITH SFG SUPER GROW
Super Grow is an economical nitrogen source for pastures and other agronomic uses with several unique and beneficial characteristics.
• 6.5-0.5-1-4(S) ANALYSIS
• 130-10-20-80(S) / Ton
• Attaches to the soil (positive charge ion) and must be released by soil micro-organisms to be in the nitrate form (same process that anhydrous ammonia goes through.)
• Nitrogen form is 80% ammonium, 20% organic.
• Super Grow is not susceptible to volatility like other nitrogen sources.
• Contains Phosphate, Potassium, and Sulfur while producing comparable yields to other forms of nitrogen without leaching in the winter.
• Liquid formula, professionally applied.
• Environmentally friendly and safe.
• Organic material attaches to the soil and will not hurt earthworms.
FARMING SUSTAINABLY
SFG and its team of agronomists have been at the forefront of sustainable farming practices for many years. In fact, President Max Smith served on the committee that established the Iowa Research and Education Council, and is willing to talk about ways to mitigate nutrient losses to anyone who will listen.
Buffer strips, cover crops, variable-rate and split fertilizer applications are all part of the conversation, as well as precision farming, which really helps SFG customers dial in precise fertilizer placement based on soil type, organic matter, yield mapping, hybrid selection and other variables.
But the agronomic team at SFG are also pragmatists, and willing to work with growers where they’re at today. Some older farmers who don’t have a son or daughter who is comfortable with new technology coming back to join the operation, might not be willing or able to make the changes that are necessary to incorporate precision farming practices. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things they can do to better manage nutrient losses, protecting the state’s soil and water resources for future generations.
For an honest, non-judgmental assessment of where you’re at on your farm today, contact a SFG agronomist today. We’d be happy to help establish some benchmarks for your property, and to set some achievable sustainability goals that fit with the way you farm today.
Agronomy Team
Charles Smith
Agronomy Manager
Charles grew up in the family business. He has worked in all departments at SFG, from a laborer, to the Pleasantville location manager for 15 years, and currently oversees agronomy operations and product procurement. Charles is away from the office he enjoys his family, gardening, sports and woodworking.
Derrick Hoodjer
Agronomy Program Director
Derrick grew up on a row crop and cattle farm in Prairie City, Iowa. Growing up he was very involved in 4H/FFA. He spent most of his time in FFA competing in various Ag competitions. He went to continue his education at Iowa State University for Agronomy. During college he spent time on the Crops Team traveling around the Midwest participating in agronomy competitions. This taught him many useful skills that he uses daily.
During the fall of 2019, Derrick started with SFG working in Melcher, focusing on area sales and helping promote seed throughout the SFG territory. During spring of 2021 he transferred to the main location and spends most of his time working with other salesmen on seed and precision ag capabilities.
Derrick lives in Carlisle and during his free time he likes to work on projects around the house or spending time with family.
Jason Jensen
Northwest District Agronomy Sales
Jason grew up on a small farm North of Swea City, a small farming community in North Central Iowa. He was very active in the family operation raising cattle, hogs, sheep, corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. After graduation from North Kossuth High School, Jason went to Iowa State University obtaining degrees in Animal Ecology and Agronomy.
Jason then worked for 5 years as an applicator for New Alliance Farm Service out of Moravia Iowa. Prior to joining the SFG team, Jason spent 18 years in agronomy management. First as a chemical building manager for six years, and location manager the remaining twelve years.
Jason and his wife Misty have two children; Justin, and Jasmine. Jason enjoys helping his children with a small cattle herd and sheep flock, He also enjoys the outdoors as time allows, mainly hunting and camping.
Taylor Banks
Southern District Agronomy Sales
Taylor grew up in the area and left briefly to attend Northwest Missouri State University, graduating in 2012 with a degree in Agriculture Technology. Taylor completed his Certified Crop Adviser certification in early 2017. Taylor enjoys hunting, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
Greg Willer
Northeast District Agronomy Sales
Greg Willer was born and raised in Marion County. Greg has helped on his parents farm his whole life and enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids. After attending college, Greg has been employed with Smith Fertilizer and Grain since 2013 as a sales agronomist. Greg enjoys working with area farmers helping them grow the best crop possible and working on solutions to problems that can arise on the farm.