Retailers that apply for the award are evaluated based on innovative business practices, community and industry leadership, environmental stewardship, reliability, technology utilization, customer service and effective employee development programs.

The Agricultural Retailers Association, a national organization, has named a northern Iowa family-owned business, Asmus Farm Supply, as 2017 Retailer of the Year. Based in the town of Rake in Winnebago County, the operation is led by second-generation owners Harlan and Amy Asmus. AFS specializes in crop protection, plant nutrition, seed sales and seed treatment.

Family business goes beyond ownership aspect
"Asmus farm supply started in the 1950s by my late father Harvey," Harlan Asmus says. "Our customer relationships go deep: decades and three generations. And we also have some that are prospects for the first year, but with all our customer relationships we really view them as partnerships."

Husband and wife Harlan and Amy have grown the business from one location to five, and have become well-known and respected industry leaders. Sons Holden and Garrett are now involved, as is Holden's wife Billie.

"The family business goes beyond the ownership of the business. Everyone who works for and with Asmus Farm Supply is really part of that family," Amy says. Today, AFS serves farmers in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. All of their agronomists are Certified Crop Advisors. "Part of what sets us apart is our knowledge, and our trusted farm advisers standing with our growers," Amy says.

Innovative services, advice to farmers
AFS conducts its own product trial program: First to the Field. It's a two-year program that starts on ground farmed by the Asmus family. Then the tests transition to customer fields with side-by-side comparison trials.

"AFS makes my life simple by delivering the products for us and bringing it in bulk," says Joe Larson, a custom applicator with Friesenborg & Larson. "As far as my own farming operation, the AFS team is very knowledgeable. Any questions we have, they can answer on the spot and supply us with products we need without waiting. Whether it’s after hours, or during business hours, they're always there to help us."

AFS has also launched a joint venture, Secure Tracks, which is a mobile app platform that tracks the use and location of bulk tanks.

Industry leadership, environmental stewardship
The ARA Retailer of the Year Award is a recognized symbol of quality and prestige within the industry. This award honors an ag retailer, large or small, who represents the best of the best. "Ag retailers make significant contributions to feeding the world and to responsible stewardship of our natural resources," says ARA President Daren Coppock. "Asmus Farm Supply is a great representative of the industry and deserves this award."
Retailers that apply for the award are evaluated based on innovative business practices, community and industry leadership, environmental stewardship, reliability, technology utilization, customer service and effective employee development programs. The award is open to all sizes and types of retailers.

You can watch the 2017 Retailer of the Year video on YouTube.

Source: Ag Retailers Association