AGRONOMY
At SFG, our agronomy team is dedicated to building strong, collaborative relationships with the producers we serve. Whether you’ve stuck with tried-and-true tillage and nutrient application methods or are eager to embrace the latest in precision agriculture and technology, we meet you where you are. Our goal is to support your operation with practical, customized solutions that work for you—today and into the future.
AGRONOMY BLOG
IT ALL BEGINS WITH LISTENING
When you sit down with an SFG agronomist for the first time, one thing becomes clear—we ask a lot of questions. That’s because we want to understand your management style, the agronomic challenges you’re facing, and both your short- and long-term goals before offering any recommendations. We’re here to listen first.
The second thing you’ll notice? There’s no pressure. A conversation doesn’t come with strings attached. You’re not expected to buy anything or change your approach unless it truly makes sense for your operation. Sometimes, a conversation is just that—a conversation.
And third, you’ll find we’re in this for the long haul, just like you. Many of us hope to pass this work on to our kids and grandkids someday. That means staying sharp, working harder than the next guy, and honoring the legacy built by those who came before us—with integrity, innovation, and a deep respect for the land.
Service is our Specialty
OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
At SFG, the expansion of our products and services over the years has been shaped by one thing—listening to our customers. If your current suppliers aren’t meeting your expectations, we encourage you to connect with an SFG agronomist.
Think of them as the quarterback of your SFG team—coordinating the right products, services, and support to ensure you get exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.
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
Leading the Way in Sustainable Farming
SFG and our team of agronomists have long been leaders in advancing sustainable farming practices. President Max Smith, a strong advocate for conservation, played a key role in the creation of the Iowa Research and Education Council—and he’s always eager to share insights on reducing nutrient loss with anyone who’s willing to listen.
Our approach to sustainability includes proven practices like buffer strips, cover crops, variable-rate applications, and split fertilizer timing. We also leverage the power of precision farming, helping producers fine-tune fertilizer placement based on factors such as soil type, organic matter, yield maps, hybrid selection, and more.
It’s all part of our commitment to helping you farm smarter—improving profitability while protecting the resources we all depend on.
Practical Solutions, Real-World Farming
At SFG, our agronomy team understands that every farming operation is unique. While we’re strong advocates for innovation and sustainability, we’re also realists—ready to meet growers where they are today.
We know that not every operation has a next generation stepping in to adopt the latest precision technology. And that’s okay. Even without a full transition to precision farming, there are still meaningful steps you can take to manage nutrient loss and protect Iowa’s soil and water for future generations.
If you’re looking for an honest, judgment-free conversation about your farm’s current practices, we’re here to help. An SFG agronomist can work with you to assess where you are today, set realistic benchmarks, and create achievable sustainability goals that align with your operation and values.
Let’s move forward together—on your terms.
Agronomy Team
Charles Smith
Agronomy Operations & Procurement
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 Sales Manager
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.