Retailers in the agricultural industry want to be where the best ground is for growers to produce the most yield potential. Evergreen FS, a member company of the GROWMARK System, is in the heart of the Corn Belt, where competition among retailers is fierce.
“The competition forces us to keep our game high,” said John Tuttle, Evergreen FS CEO. “We’re fortunate because our team is driven to serve. If I ever ask employees, ‘What’s your favorite part of the job?’ It’s ‘satisfying and serving customers.’”
It’s the dedication to customer service that sets Evergreen FS apart from its competitors. The agronomy-focused, boots-on-the-ground team scouts customers’ fields to help them decide what’s best for the farm. To know what to recommend takes training and education on industry changes, including new products, regulatory updates and more.
Jeff Bunting, GROWMARK vice president of crop protection, has been with the company for more than 20 years. He ensures all member companies receive the crop protection products their customers need to control weeds, diseases and insects.
“Think about the co-op today versus what it was like when my dad or grandpa was farming,” he said. “It’s changed so much. It’s exciting to see GROWMARK and our member companies adapt to be fast and more efficient. And they do it safely and effectively.”
And yet some things haven’t changed from his grandfather’s era.
“The role of the boots on the ground is still very successful,” Bunting said. “We have a well-received and respected crop specialist group. That will always be a focus for us: to make sure they’re doing the right things.”
Tuttle and Bunting work closely with manufacturers, including Corteva Agriscience. They said the local representative’s relationship with the Evergreen FS and GROWMARK management and sales teams is vitally important. The Corteva Agriscience representative is a key resource for the sales teams and helps with their success.
“We view companies like Corteva as our partner. We’re sitting on the same side of the table,” Tuttle said. “Corteva can help us be much more successful, and when we’re working together, we’re doing what’s best for the customer.”
The Evergreen FS agronomy division works closely with the Corteva Agriscience representative to learn about new products, review trial results and make recommendations for farmer-customers. The representative may also help with training, which allows Evergreen FS salespeople to talk directly with the manufacturer about product attributes and best use practices.
“We really appreciate the investment Corteva makes in research and development to bring us new technologies and new products that can meet farmers’ needs today, as well as in the future,” Bunting said. “It’s much more than just products though. Corteva helps us with training and meeting our crop specialists’ needs.”
Bunting appreciates how Corteva keeps him and his team involved in a new product’s journey from creation to development to testing.
“If Corteva launches a new product, the local representative will be involved in field days,” he said. “They’ll do training events for our teams to make sure the products they’re using will be effective and our customers will have a great experience when they use those products.”
For Tuttle and Bunting, the ultimate goal is helping their member customers — the farmers.
“If we’re living our mission statement, we are always working toward that farmer being successful,” Tuttle said.
To hear more from GROWMARK, Evergreen FS and Corteva, visit Corteva.us/TurnrowTalk.
Legals:
™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Always read and follow label directions. ©2025 Corteva.031606BR (09/25)CAAG5CPRO051
