Hefty Seed Grand opening set Thursday

After months of construction and preparation, Hefty Seed is ready to unveil their new location just south of New Rockford.

On Thursday, Dec. 8, Hefty Seed CEO Brian Hefty himself will be hosting a grand opening ceremony at the new facility, where he'll answer questions and introduce the location's new agronomy staff.

Joining Hefty Seed's New Rockford staff will be Brandon Wall and Michael Johnston as agronomists, and Anthony O'Connor as warehouse manager.

Brandon Wall joins the New Rockford staff having already built valuable experience with Hefty Seed at their Hurdsfield location. O'Connor, a New Rockford native, comes to Hefty after a number of years at the Kensal Farmers Elevator.

Johnston, a native of Carrington and graduate of Carrington High School, brings nine years of experience in agronomy to the team, partly at the same grain elevator in Kensal and most recently at Cendak Cooperative here in New Rockford.

When asked what he's looking forward to about his new position at Hefty Seed, Johnston said, "I'd say just bringing price competitiveness to growers, as far as getting them a cheaper price on products and providing the agronomy knowledge that Hefty brings to the table."

O'Connor added that he's also looking forward to serving customers of Hefty Seed, a company whose core values include helping farmers remain independent, all while improving yields and bolstering profit margins.

In a letter inviting local farmers in the region to the ceremony, Hefty wrote, "In addition, we will talk a little bit about some of the things we're doing at Hefty Seed Company to help you on your farm, not only to increase yields, but to improve profitability."

Among the specific discussion topics Hefty mentioned in his letter were input supply issues and costs, fertility recommendations, ways to reduce fertilizer costs, as well as weed control, fungicides and insecticides.

He added, "We will have plenty of time for your questions at this event. The past couple years have been a crazy period in agriculture, so we want to make sure you get all the answers you need in order to put together your best cropping plan for 2023."

Brian Hefty is the chief executive officer of Hefty Seed Company and the son of Ron Hefty, who first started in the herbicide business in 1969 in South Dakota.

His business, which began as Hefty Farm Supply, eventually became Hefty Seed Company and expanded to become the seventh largest crop protection retailer in the U.S.

The ceremony itself will take place from 12 - 3 p.m. at the new facility located at 1595 Hwy 281. A meal will be offered right away at noon, and the first 100 guests will receive Hefty Seed New Rockford sweatshirts.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP at http://www.heftyseed.com/newrockford or by calling (701) 650-7617.