Federated’s Director of Agronomy Operations Craig Gustafson reflected on the past agronomy season: “2018 started out looking like it was going to be a total disaster,” when snow piled high in mid-April, but, planting was “still pretty much on time . . . and we had pretty good planting, for the most part,” he said.

Overall crop performance throughout Federated’s service areas was above average, and there may have been record highs in some areas. Gustafson noted that “fall brought on challenges in harvesting,” thanks to very wet conditions, but overall, the season ended well.

Looking back on the season, Gustafson said, “We learned from our customers, and at the same time the goal was that both of us were profitable.” It’s a give and take that arises from loyal customers and a committed agronomy team.

“Thanks to our customer base . . . thanks to their loyalty to Federated . . . the customer is really who makes this company,” he said. The agronomy team is “privileged to be able to serve them and fill their needs for their [farming] operations.”

The Federated Agronomists look forward to working with all the growers in the new year. And, Gustafson added, “Merry Christmas!”