Minnesota sales agronomist uses local data and grower successes to guide seed decisions.
Dan Larson knows communicating with local growers works
best when they hear local stories. In his decade-plus as a sales agronomist with Central Farm Service (CFS) in Steele County, Minnesota, he’s learned that providing data from area fields — especially when it shows consistent results — is invaluable.
“Consistency is what growers want,” Larson said. “Consistency
is what retailers want. Everyone is trying to make big yield in the most cost-efficient way possible.”
When growers see local data, they’re more likely to try those hybrids and varieties. That’s why Brevant® brand products are thriving in Steele County.
“When you can rely on a certain number of Brevant brand hybrids year after year and you’re getting 230, 240 or 250 bushels per acre, those reports pique grower interest,” he said. “That makes them more willing to try newer hybrids.”
Each year, Larson identifies a package of hybrids that are showing consistent local performance. He offers these as a starting point when communicating to customers. Then, as new products with similar pedigrees hit the market, customers are more willing to try them.
“It’s easier to start those conversations when you have proven products with proven yield,” Larson said. “Growers are willing to try new hybrids and varieties once they’ve grown Brevant brand products on their own farm.”
Walk the walk, talk the talk
Larson’s day is built around communication. He rises and does chores at his own place, which includes a small show lamb flock. Then it’s off to work and to make a string of phone calls. He spends part of the morning scouting fields and relaying information to customers and the CFS operations team concerning potential chemical and fertilizer needs.
Corn acres can be challenging. Steele County features a fair number of corn-on-corn acres.
“That takes a little extra planning,” Larson said. “Corn rootworm is an issue, so we look at hybrid traits, in-furrow insecticides, and foliar and tassel applications. Brevant brand Vorceed Enlist corn helps us keep insects at bay.”
The same thing applies with diseases. Tar spot has become increasingly common in the area. It can overwinter in corn-on-corn residue. Curbing it requires additional scouting and, yes, more communication. Selecting tolerant hybrids becomes a focus heading into the next growing season.
Relating benefits of Enlist E3® soybeans
Larson’s customers are also latching onto Brevant® brand Enlist E3® soybeans. CFS has been promoting Enlist E3 soybeans in recent years with great success. Growers are experiencing the value, and popularity of the Enlist® weed control system is rising.
“It’s been a good program, particularly for weed management and yield,” Larson said. “The Enlist system has worked well. These soybeans have offered consistent yield across a range of maturities.”
More technologies, more stories to tell
When helping customers with newer technologies, there’s always a learning curve — both for growers and retail agronomists.
“We’ve seen a lot of new traits and technologies introduced in the last decade,” Larson said. “Not only do we have to understand the different trait packages but also we have to explain their value to growers.”
Agronomy practices are changing too. Growers are trying variable-rate planting, split applications of nitrogen, multiple passes to apply fungicide as well as different foliar products, biologicals and other inputs.
“We need to deliver info that will help them put together a program to push the yield,” Larson said. “In the end, we’re trying to increase bushels with the greatest ROI we can. When we can provide data from basically right outside their back door, it puts a grower’s mind at ease.”
Larson added that it’s not too hard to find repeat customers for Brevant seeds.
“If we get them to try a hybrid or two that first year and they see the consistency and yield, they often want to see what we can do for them next year,” Larson said.
For more videos and stories of how retailers and growers are scoring wins, visit Brevant.com/WinBigger.
® Brevant is a trademark of Brevant seeds and its affiliated companies. ™ ® Enlist, Enlist Duo, Enlist E3, the Enlist Logo, Enlist One and Vorceed are trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are registered trademarks of BASF. ®Roundup and Roundup Ready are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3® soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies L.L.C. Enlist One® and Enlist Duo® are not labeled for use in all 50 states. To find product labels, state registration status, and additional resources about the Enlist® weed control system and its availability, visit Enlist.com. Additional stewardship information on Enlist crops and to review seed product use guide details, visit traitstewardship.com. ©2026 Brevant seeds. 033999 BR (11/26) CAAG26BREV01754
