Simplot Grower Solutions Celebrates 80 Years of Operations

By J.R. Simplot Company|October 21, 2025

Founded in 1945 by ag pioneer J.R. Simplot, SGS has grown from a single retail store into one of the largest ag retail networks on the continent with more than 200 locations.

Simplot Grower Solutions (SGS), a division of the Simplot Company, recently marked its 80th anniversary with a celebration honoring eight decades of service to farmers across North America. Simplot hosted an event at the original SGS location in Caldwell, Idaho, featuring an open house, guided tours of a newly upgraded fertilizer distribution facility, and remarks from company leaders and government officials.

Founded in 1945 by J.R. Simplot, a farmer and visionary entrepreneur, SGS began as “Simplot Soilbuilders,” pioneering the concept of retail farm service centers. This innovation transformed how fertilizers and crop protection products were delivered to growers, laying the foundation for a legacy of agronomic support and customer partnership.

SGS began as “Simplot Soilbuilders,” pioneering the concept of retail farm service centers.

Over the years, SGS has expanded its offerings to include a comprehensive portfolio of crop nutrition, crop protection, and seed products, along with cutting-edge technologies like Simplot SmartFarm®, a precision ag platform that empowers farmers with data-driven insights. At the heart of SGS’s success is its team of Crop Advisors, agronomic experts who work closely with growers to optimize yields, manage inputs efficiently, and support long-term sustainability.

“Simplot Grower Solutions has been and continues to be the frontline of our connection with the growers and communities we serve,” said Garrett Lofto, Simplot President and CEO. “Our team stands shoulder to shoulder with farmers, and we’re fully committed to their long-term success. We understand that agriculture isn’t just a profession; it’s a legacy, a way of life, and a vital force that drives our economy, strengthens our communities, and helps feed our world.”

Today, SGS operates one of the largest ag retail networks in North America

Today, SGS operates one of the largest ag retail networks in North America, with a continued focus on innovation and a commitment to serving the communities in which it operates. Idaho Governor Brad Little attended the 80th anniversary celebration and praised Simplot’s long-standing commitment to agriculture and rural communities. “We cannot do what we do in this country, which is feed the world, if we don’t have those incredible nutrients,” Little said. “Simplot is a model ambassador for the State of Idaho. They’ve never forgotten their roots and have remained committed to the farmers they serve.”

“This milestone is a tribute to the generations of Simplot Grower Solutions employees who have helped shape our legacy, and to the growers who have trusted us as partners,” said Troy Bolt, Vice President and General Manager, Simplot AgriBusiness Retail. “For 80 years, we’ve been driven by innovation and a deep responsibility to help feed a growing world. We are profoundly grateful for the relationships we’ve built with our customers. Our retail operations will continue to be a cornerstone of our company’s future, and we remain committed to evolving our value proposition in partnership with farmers to ensure our joint success for the next 80 years and beyond.”

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The J.R. Simplot Company, a privately held agribusiness firm headquartered in Boise, ID, has an integrated portfolio that includes phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, food processing, food brands, and other enterprises related to agriculture. Simplot’s major operations are located in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, South America, and China, with products marketed in more than 60 countries worldwide. See all author stories here.

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