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.
By Taylor Banks We just had a week of the coldest temperatures of the year and I think I can speak for everyone that we are ready to look ahead to the spring. As we push closer to getting back in the...
By Greg Willer It may not seem like it, but spring will be here before you know it. Before long the snow will be melted off and wheels will be turning in the field. While we trudge...
By Mark Young Learning how to increase agricultural productivity is always on a farmer’s mind, and there are multiple techniques to help improve your corn yields year after year....
By Jason Jensen Over the last couple of weeks, I have had several farmers ask me what we can do to help them get the right seed, fertilizer, and crop protection on their acres. At SFG we have...
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.
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.
Our Agronomy Services include:
Super Grow is an economical nitrogen source for pastures and other agronomic uses with several unique and beneficial characteristics.
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.
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.
Mark M. Young is the senior agronomist with Smith Fertilizer & Grain at Knoxville, where Mark supervises all agronomy daily work, including coordinating sales training, purchasing and pricing, and developing sales programs. Mark has been a Certified Crop Advisor for over 26 years and currently is a co-chair for Agribusiness Association of the Iowa agronomy committee. In his spare time Mark enjoys spending and playing with his grandchildren. Mark resides in Knoxville with his wife.
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.
Derrick grew up on a farm in Prairie City, Iowa. He had row crops and cattle. 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. After college he spent 18 months as a Sales Agronomist for Innovative Ag Services. In September ’19 he got the opportunity to work with Smith Fertilizer and Grain at the Melcher-Dallas location. Here he works with the local customers for their agronomy needs. He also spends time working with the agronomists at other locations, focusing on seed and the use of the R-7 platform. He now lives in Pleasantville and during his free time he likes to go back to Prairie City and help with projects on the farm. He has enjoyed being able to work with customers that have operations much like the one he grew up on.
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 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.
Kent Watson is an Agronomist/Nutritionalist based in Albia. Kent has been involved in all aspects of production agriculture for over 40 years. He grew up in Northern Indiana and got his degree from Purdue University in Agriculture Economics. He managed a feed, fertilizer and grain coop elevator, he worked for the Land and Livestock Division of the J.R. Simplot Company (one of the largest cow/calf and feedlot producers in the country) primarily selling animal health and feed supplement products throughout the Pacific Northwest. He was a Farm Marketer for Cargill in West Central Minnesota and prior to coming to Smith’s he managed a Helena Chemical outlet and was in agronomy sales for Pinnacle Ag. Kent and his wife Tanya have one grown son and two grandsons.