THE PETERSON FARMS SEED TEAM

Whitney Polejewski

Grower Services / Sales Support

701.282.7476
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Growing up with grandparents directly across the road and lots of cousins nearby, Whitney has a deep appreciation for the benefits of a healthy farm community. And like a true farmer’s daughter, when asked for her favorite part of the fall season, she unashamedly responds, “Beet Harvest!” Although the lake is her favorite place to get-away, Whitney loves to travel and hopes to cross a few more countries off her bucket list in the next few years.

Kyle Kremer

Southeast ND /  Northeast SD, CCA

701.809.4490
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Kyle Kremer thrives on helping growers find a higher output solution for their farms. His competitive nature, combined with his business management and crop and weed science degrees, is essential to his role as a sales agronomist. When he’s not helping growers succeed, Kyle is hunting, fishing, and trapping throughout the Midwest and western U.S.

Claire Triplett

Regional Sales Agronomist, Southern MN

701.341.7192
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Claire is a “maestro” in and out of the field. When she isn’t helping customers find the very best way to raise more bushels, she can be found at the piano or with her growing herd of livestock in Southern MN. As an NDSU grad and experienced agronomist, Claire knows what it takes to make your fields sing!

Drew Roden

Sales Agronomist – Prosper, ND

701.371.0918
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We feel like we won the jackpot when Drew joined our team. Hometown boy, friend, neighbor and now awesome Retail Sales Agronomist. What a sweet deal! Not to mention a real go-getter. Drew majored in Agriculture Systems Management with two minors: Precision Agriculture and Crop and Weed Sciences. Now that’s a well-rounded resume! In his role as Retail Sales Agronomist he works with Prosper area farmers to help them raise top crops.

Tylor Johnson, CCA

Sales Agronomist – Kindred, ND

701.809.2918
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Tylor got his start in ag at the ripe old age of 11 when he started milking cows at a neighbor’s dairy farm near Fergus Falls. He wasn’t afraid of hard work then and he certainly isn’t afraid of it now. Tylor likes to get his hands dirty and get to know his customer’s fields to make the very best recommendations for each acre. And don’t be surprised if he has a shadow in the form of a yellow lab with him from time-to-time. That’s just Sage, his trusty sidekick.

Nolan Berg

Precision Systems Agronomist

218.686.7337
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If you say “jump”, Nolan Berg won’t just ask “how high”… he’ll show you. Nolan pole vaulted for NDSU’s track team (his personal best is 16’ 2”), and his drive and determination carry over into his ever-evolving position as Precision Systems Agronomist. With a master’s degree in Plant Sciences and tenure as track team captain, Nolan is a great fit to lead our precision ag activities, work with zone creation and UAV imagery, and assist with the seed increase program for new genetics. In his downtime, Nolan enjoys hunting, mountain biking, running, and photography. He lives in Fargo with his wife, Melissa and dog, Basil.

Kelli Bowen

Logistics

701.282.7476
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Being in charge of Peterson Farms Seed’s logistics is right up Kelli Bowen’s alley. From growing up on a livestock farm in Barnes County, to being a participant in the NDSU Rural Leadership North Dakota program, Kelli has surrounded herself with agriculture and good people her whole life. When she’s not advocating for ag by taking care of our dealers’ and growers’ needs, Kelli enjoys writing, photography, or camping with her family and dogs.

Reed Erickson

Regional Agronomist – Eastern ND/Western MN

701.361.4911
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When you’ve got it, you’ve got it. And Reed definitely has IT. He’s a 5^th generation farmer (seriously, FIFTH) on the family farm in Buffalo, ND. He’s also a CCA and received his degree from NDSU. On top of that, he regularly scouts 7,000 acres of crop land every year. So, he knows a thing or twenty about how to raise a top crop. He’s also not afraid to have a little fun at the lake or doing pretty much any type of winter activity.  

Rick Swenson

Lead Agronomist

218.770.8975
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Rick is a true agronomist at heart. He gets excited about the ins and outs of product performance and helping growers (or as many come to be known, friends) find the very best products for their acres. When he isn’t thinking about the next greatest products for the Peterson Farms Seed lineup, he’s busy with wife Erin and son Leland growing monster pumpkins (like, 1200+ lbs) on their land near Underwood, MN.

Troy Wiegandt

Technical Agronomist / Hunter Sales Agronomist

218-791-5462
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Troy Wiegandt is what we call a maximizer. Which, as Technical Agronomist, is exactly what you want.  He joined the team after graduating from NDSU and hit the ground running putting his passion for technology to good use. He’s the guy who can help you make sense of all the tech available these days with a sole focus on helping farmers make smarter decisions. When he’s not helping farmers, he’s probably doing something outdoorsy like hunting or snowboarding!

Dennis Schultze

Product Manager

701.282.7476
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This guy knows his soybeans and we are counting our lucky stars he’s on our team! Dennis Schultze, a Woodbury, MN native, has had a respected career in the seed industry with over 35 years of experience, more than twenty of those years focused on soybean breeding. Schultze earned his degree from University of Wisconsin – River Falls and was previously a soybean breeder for Dow AgroSciences and Mertec LLC. When not searching out the world’s best corn and soybean varieties, Dennis likes to play golf, ice fish and spend time with his wife at their lake home.

Craig LaVoi

Southwest Minnesota CCA

218-282-0791
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As an experienced sales agronomist, Craig LaVoi brings his passion for finding sound agronomic solutions to southwest Minnesota. From a young age, Craig learned the value of a hard day’s work on his family’s dairy farm. He applies that work ethic to everything he does, from working to stay ahead of the ever-evolving problems the ag industry is faced with, to earning his CCA designation. When he’s not thinking about agriculture, Craig spends his time with his wife and sons, fishing, and hunting. Don’t forget to ask him about his annual sturgeon fishing trip on the Rainy River or to see his amazing hand carved fish lures! 

Kayla Voeller

NW Minnesota/NE North Dakota

701.430.6820
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Some of you may recognize Kayla Voeller from her three years spent as a grower service rep with Peterson Farms Seed. Anyone who has met Kayla learns quickly how welcoming, passionate, and friendly she is to everyone she comes across. Kayla’s ‘get it done attitude’ makes her a wonderful partner for our awesome dealers. When Kayla is not working with dealers, you will find her with her husband and two kids headed to the lake or helping at the farm. 

Cody Olson

Eastern South Dakota

605.929.5688
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Cody Olson got the farming bug from all sides growing up in South Dakota with both sets of grandparents farming. After a summer internship with us, he was convinced he could do good things for farmers in South Dakota through Peterson Farms Seed.

He joined the team after graduating from NDSU (though that won’t keep him from a Jack’s game). His personal mission is to deliver amazing service while helping his customer’s get bigger and better yields from their fields.

Ben Askegaard

Kindred Sales Agronomist CCA

701.371.0427
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Ben Askegaard has a passion for providing Kindred area growers the hybrids and varieties they need. He’s good at it too; thanks to his experience as a CCA and his crop and weed science degree from North Dakota State University. In the corn field and on the softball field, Ben is a competitor. During the summer, he is a pitcher for a fastpitch softball team in the Fargo-Moorhead area. And when he’s not playing softball, Ben is spending time with his wife Molly and their two kids, Cade and Cora.

Katrina Nord

Sales Support/Grower Service Rep

701.282.7476
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Behind her is an upbringing on a hobby farm and in front of her is a great career in agriculture – lucky us! Growing up surrounded by chickens, cows, horses, and pigs brought the farm-loving-girl out in Katrina. After being in 4-H and FFA in her youth, Katrina moved on to NDSCS where she earned a degree in Crop Production Sales & Technology and then worked two seasons as a field scout for Centrol Ag Consulting. When she’s not helping growers, Katrina spends her time camping, hunting, and fishing with her family and friends.

Sheena Schmitt

Sales Support

701.282.7476
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She may not have grown up on a farm, but she has always been fascinated by agriculture. That kind of curiosity and passion makes us pretty happy to have Sheena on our team! Sheena grew up in Dilworth, MN where she still lives with her husband Paul and daughters Madison, Tatum and chocolate lab Nelli. Kids sports keep her pretty busy but like all good Minnesota girls, she also loves time at the lake, bonfires and deer hunting.

Jade Albrecht

Kindred Sales Agronomist, CCA

701.893.8170
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As a farm-kid at heart, Jade’s love for agriculture runs deep. Hailing from a fifth generation farm in South Dakota, Jade learned early on the importance of the family farm and the hard work needed to keep that legacy moving forward. Armed with a degree in Crop & Weed Sciences and a minor in Soil Science from NDSU, Jade started his career as an agronomist at a Fargo area Co-Op. Jade credits his time at the Co-Op for helping him establish great relationships with area farmers, solidifying his love for agronomy and the people he gets to work with. Jade has a passion for helping farmers navigate through problems toward solutions and we think that sounds like a recipe for success! When he isn’t in the field, Jade likes to snowmobile, snowboard, hunt and travel with his wife.

Kaelin Kyllo

Hunter Sales Agronomist CCA

701.430.0187
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With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, Kaelin Kyllo strives to help growers in the Hunter area reach their goals. He does this by placing the right hybrids and varieties on the right soil types, a knack he’s developed from his CCA experiences. When he isn’t busy caring for growers, Kaelin is out on the golf course, the baseball field or the seat of a snowmobile.

Michael Shutt

Prosper Sales Agronomist

701.715.4992
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Michael Shutt has a lifelong love for agriculture–he spent his childhood riding in a tractor, planting potatoes with his dad, growing a two-acre garden with his grandfather, and picking weeds in that garden every day. Armed with a Crop and Weed Science degree from NDSU, he also has experience in crop advising, agronomy, and ag retail. This experience, along with his enthusiasm for working with customers, makes Michael a great agronomic resource for growers in the central Cass County. In his free time, Michael loves waking up at 4 a.m. to go waterfowl hunting.

Travis Winter

East Central Minnesota

320.290.4096
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Travis is one of those people that sought agriculture out, rather than being born into it. He got his start working on a dairy farm a few miles from his childhood home in Belgrade, MN where to this day he still helps out from time-to-time. Originally attending college to be a radiology tech, Travis just couldn’t deny his love of farming. So he changed majors and graduated from NDSU with a degree in crop and weed sciences and boy are we happy he did! Travis puts a lot emphasis on developing good relationships. He loves working with growers to help them solve their big problems. Travis likes to spend his free time hunting, fishing, working out and spending time with friends and family.

Jeff Olson

Central North Dakota CCA

701.659.3246
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Jeff Olson has a wealth of ag experience to share with farmers in central North Dakota. He has lived in Jamestown for most of his adult life and knows that farming area extensively, as he has spent his entire career focused there. Jeff’s ag credentials include a BS degree from NDSU in Ag Economics as well as his CCA accreditation. A native of Maddock, Jeff loves motorcycle riding as well as hunting and camping. You can frequently see Jeff “clowning around” as a Shrine clown, raising funds for their children’s hospitals.

Mike Sorby

West Central Minnesota, CCA

701.238.3914
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Mike Sorby claims he has ‘farming in his blood’. Having grown up on a farm south of Fargo, agriculture has always been his life. He completed his degree in agribusiness, and then followed it up with a career working directly with farmers, first with ag chemicals and now with seed. Mike says the best part of his job is “helping growers find the best hybrid suited to their particular fields.” Mike’s hobbies include “working, golf and the lake,” in that order! And by the way, he answers to the name “Big Sexy.”

Alan Neitzel

Central South Dakota

605.380.8920
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Alan knows South Dakota. And that makes us pretty lucky to have him on our team covering Central South Dakota. Not only does he farm there but he’s engrained (literally) after 13 years with the SD Wheat Growers Association.

Living in rural Redfield, Alan farms corn, soybeans and runs a cow/calf operation. He’s a relationship guy and works with dealer partners to bring the good news of Peterson Farms Seed to our SD farmers.

Paul Bromley

Northwest North Dakota

701.399.6944
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Don’t let his non-traditional path fool you – Paul, who grew up on a farm, is nothing but an asset to northwest North Dakota farmers. While serving our country in the National Guard, Paul decided to pursue his college ambitions. In 2016, he earned his Crop and Weed Sciences degree from NDSU and earned his CCA right after that! Determined, hard-working, and knowledgeable, Paul is willing to do whatever it takes to help growers find solutions to his region’s unique challenges. When he’s not in the field, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter on their farm, hunting, and working on classic cars.

Adam Spelhaug

Agronomy Lead CCA

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As the agronomy manager, Adam Spelhaug works diligently to determine the best genetics for our region, bringing growers what they need in their fields. Adam has been making his mark on Peterson Farms Seed since 2005. When he’s not discovering genetic breakthroughs, Adam can be found spending time with his family, golfing or bowhunting. He’s a North Dakota State University alumnus, and he’s proud of it. Don’t take any UND green into his office.

Danni Sanders

East Central ND/West Central MN

701.371.1712
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Starting at a young age and through her experience working with Butler Machinery Company, Danni Sanders has always surrounded herself with agriculture and the farming community. Danni’s competitive spirit brought her success during her NDSU basketball career and also as an account manager covering east central ND and west central MN. When she and her husband (a former NDSU football player) aren’t chasing their three kids around, Danni enjoys spending time with her family and friends, golfing, playing basketball and volleyball, and answering the inevitable question “How tall ARE you?!”

Mike Larson

Sales Manager CCA

701.238.8280
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Mike Larson is devoted to doing his small part in feeding the world, with help from “great growers, awesome dealers and the best sales team.” He’s a seed sales manager and CCA by day. He’s a ballroom dancer and gardener by night. He’s served on the North Dakota Corn Growers Board, the North Dakota Ag Association and the Big Iron Committee. What is there that Mike can’t do? We have yet to find anything.

Tyler Erickson

Sales Director

701.282.7476
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As Sales Director, Tyler Erickson is responsible for leading and supporting Territory Managers and providing sales support to our dealer network. Tyler is born & raised in the Red River Valley, with a B.S. in Business Administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead. An avid sports fan, Tyler can be found cheering for the Twins, boating at the lake and attempting the occasional round of golf.

Scott Sanders

General Manager

701.282.7476
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As General Manager, Scott Sanders is responsible for oversite of day-to-day operations of the business. He’s the guy helping drive forward the long-term vision for the company and helping us dream of the future. Scott is a North Dakota native, with an undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of St. Thomas and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia. When he isn’t helping shape the company, you might find him on the golf course trying to improve his handicap or sitting in a stand waiting for the big buck.

Julie Peterson

Vice President

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Julie Peterson’s responsibilities center on marketing and human resource management. But she is truly the glue that holds Peterson Farms Seed together as she is charged with “catching the things that can fall through the cracks” as a company grows. A proud native of Iowa, she feels blessed to be part of the vibrant North Dakota ag industry. As a staunch believer in the power of volunteerism, she actively participates in both youth development and ag advocacy projects.

Carl Peterson

President CCA

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Carl Peterson is proud to say, “I have lived in the same house my entire life and I’ve never had a job.” Which means, Carl grew up and still lives on the home place his grandfather purchased in 1918. And that, as an entrepreneur and small business owner, he has never had to go through an employment interview. Carl thrives on identifying and solving problems. His professional credentials include a BS in Ag Production from Iowa State; MS in Ag Econ from Purdue; MBA from Indiana University; and is CCA accredited. Carl reads voraciously and most weekends he can be found playing piano and singing on his church worship team. And as a master of trivia, he always seems to have a quirky come-back.