Russ Kugler Inducted into the Southwestern Fertilizer Hall of Fame
Earlier this summer, Russ Kugler was inducted into the Southwestern Fertilizer Hall of Fame at the Omni Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. Present to accept the award were company co-presidents John Kugler and Mike Kugler.
“It was an honor that that our father, Russ Kugler, was inducted into the 2024 Southwestern Fertilizer Hall of fame the same year we are celebrating Kugler Companies 100th anniversary,” said John Kugler. “With our fourth generation integrated into the company, we are looking for many more years of leadership and product innovations within the industries we serve.”
Russ Kugler was an active member of the agricultural community over several decades. His first fertilizer venture was in anhydrous ammonia sales with Diamond Shamrock. He led the development of the first T reactor in Nebraska for manufacturing 10-34-0 phosphate with research from Frank Achorn and Tennessee Valley Authority. Russ was also involved in the acquisition of multiple regional fertilizer companies over the years.
In addition to fertilizer industry ventures, he created a propane distribution service; opened a tire and accessory shop (TEK Tire), as well as a chain of convenience stores (K-Store).
Russ Kugler was awarded the Marquis Who’s Who in the Midwest. Over the years he pioneered the production of higher polyphosphate fertilizers and a full line of clear liquid fertilizers “KQ Grades” full NPKs with micros that today are recognized as some of the highest purity, high quality fertilizers available within the agricultural industry.
He was an active member of numerous local boards, served as Council member and was on the local economic development program. Russ established a pheasant hunt and golf tournament to fund a scholarship for students interested in agriculture and was supportive of YMCA and other community activities.
Scott Beck Named American Seed Trade Association’s Central Regional Vice President
Scott Beck has been elected as the central regional vice president for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) where he will represent Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin during his three-year term in this role. He is one of seven regional vice presidents serving ASTA.
“This role offers an incredible opportunity to represent and advocate for the interests of our industry,” said Scott Beck, president at Beck’s. “I am excited to work closely with our members, share their insights with ASTA leadership, and help drive initiatives that will strengthen the seed industry’s future.”
As an elected officer, Scott will also serve as a member of the board of directors and the advisory council. His duties in this influential position will include attending all state, regional, and national ASTA meetings, acting as ASTA’s primary membership recruiter in the central region, reporting issues of interest and activities from his region to ASTA leadership, and serving as a liaison on legislative matters at the state, regional, and national levels.
“We are thrilled to welcome Scott Beck as our new central regional vice president,” said Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of ASTA. “His extensive knowledge and commitment to the industry will be invaluable as we continue to address the challenges and opportunities facing our members and the broader agricultural community.”
Brandt Restructures Specialty Formulations, Creates Supply Chain Function
Brandt is making big changes to the structure of its Specialty Formulations Sales Group, which will go into effect on Oct. 1.
Matt Ingram has been named vice president, sales and will lead sales, customer support and the overall customer experience for the division. Brant executive vice president Bill Engel will be transitioning out of his day-to-day role in leading the specialty formulations team.
“I can’t begin to describe how Bill Engel has helped grow our company, making us the global player we are today. He has been invaluable, and I’m grateful that he will help us transition to a new young sales leader in Matt,” said Rick Brandt, president and CEO. “Matt is bringing new energy and new ideas to our Specialty Formulations business.”
Current national sales director for Specialty Formulations John Guglielmi will be moving to Dowdy Crop Innovations to lead the Total Acre program as vice president.
Brandt is also creating a global supply chain function under the leadership of Brent Waller. Currently vice president of dealer support, Waller will now be the vice president of supply chain. He will coordinate Brandt dealer support, specialty formulations purchasing, logistics and production, and Talc USA production.
Brandt says their goal for this division is to provide more coordinated management of these areas and deliver scale efficiencies and increased quality.
“We are all thrilled for the new supply chain function. This is something we’ve been planning toward for a long time,” Brandt said. “Getting Brent in place is just the first step. Over the next few months, Brent will build out his team, and we’ll be able to announce the leaders of dealer support, Talc USA production, specialty formulations product and U.S. and international procurement.”
