Company.The first source for
fertilizers in the immediate area, Casey Fertilizer was a primary driving force in improving the areas farm economy. Fertilizers were brought in by truck as well as in boxcars and unloaded by hand. It was much hard work, but anyone
who knew Clarence Crouch knew that hard work was not something to stop him from accomplishing his goals and casting the vision for better days to come.
Time went on, blenders and bulk material eased some of the manual workload,
and CaseyFertilizer grew. Casey Fertilizer would eventually acquire an Anhydrous Ammonia facility, formerly known as Nu-Way Fertilizer, build a new storage facility, and relocate its office to 601 West Main Street, its current
location. Along with the dry fertilizers, ammonia, custom application, soil testing, and packaged chemicals were now available as the company was definitely growing.
In 1978 the company incorporated to become Casey Fertilizer
Company, Inc. Also theCompany's first liquid blend system and floater spray truck were added to the operations list of products and services. Bill Crouch, son of the company's founder, would now take the corporation, and it's new
approach to fertilizer and application, into its next, and biggest, step. As Clarence went back to his first love, his farming operation, Bill took a gamble and advanced the company into growth as it had never before seen. Casey
Fertilizer now had, liquid and dry fertilizers, pesticides, custom application, anhydrous ammonia, and tote buggys for those who wished to apply their own product.
By the spring of 1981 Casey Fertilizer had acquired an additional
three floater trucks to meet its increasing demand for liquid fertilizer and chemical applications. Three nurse units were put into service as well to assist in keeping the rigs in the field more and on the road less. Custom
application was now the backbone of the operation and, as always, service was the main priority in keeping up with a rapidly increasing market share.
1985 added a bit to the workload, and the employee roster as well. Casey
Fertilizer signed a warehouse agreement with PCS Sales, the world's largest producer of potash. New rail unloading and truck loading systems were installed. One additional full-time employee was added, as well as a new skid steer
loader to facilitate the newest opportunity.
The year 1986 added the Bur-Cro Feed Company to the family. While owned in part by Bill Crouch since 1980, the acquisition of stock by Casey Fertilizer allowed the company and its
stockholders to have an opportunity at diversification and bring in cash flow during the otherwise slow months.
October 1987 brought an interesting fold into the company. The acquisition of the Kwik-Mix Concrete Company helped to
diversify the company. The new venture allowed the company to employ three more people and have ample work for the summer off-season.
In the winter of 1995 more changes were in store for the company. A new, fully automated,
liquid blend system was installed for the 1996 operating season. Also a new Center Ride dry floater was added to the fleet. Casey Fertilizer had now become diverse and, as a result, was more efficient. Both qualities that are
necessary for growth and survival.
In the year 1999 more change was in the works. Due to the company's rail situation it was able to land a deal to warehouse UAN solutions for the Terra Corporation. This allowed for the facility
to expand its storage and handling of 28% and 32% solutions. The new service would also enhance Casey Fertilizers ability to store ample material for its customers as well as for other retailers in the area. Better prices for the
grower due to decreased handling and shipping costs were the most noticeable residual effect.
The year 2000 brought the death of founder Clarence Crouch. On the morning of March 14th, he passed away in a hospital in
the town of his winter home. He is sadly missed even now, but left a strong legacy and always instilled in those he loved that the company should not miss a beat and continue to operate in his absence. We have done our level best
to do so, but not a day goes by that he is not deeply missed.
Upon Clarence's passing more changes were eminent. As Bill Crouch stepped aside to take over his father's farm, John Crouch assumed management responsibility. While
John was to run the business and administration decisions, it was decided that his Brother-in-law, Don Scott, would oversee and manage the daily operation and maintenance for the company, now in its 52nd
year of operation. Utilizing their strengths and operating as a team, Casey Fertilizer has persevered and continued to show growth through the most adverse of situations.
May of 2000 brought a close to a Casey Fertilizer
subsidiary. Bur-Cro Feed store was sold from the operation. New and larger management decisions made the operation of the store more difficult, with Clarence gone, and Bill farming, it was decided the facility was more of a burden
than a benefit to the new management. Bur-Cro was sold to employee, and manager, Larry Wicke.
As a way to better accommodate a growing post applied soybean herbicide demand, the Kwik-Mix was closed in the fall of 2001. When first
purchased, this operation enabled the company to keep more employees by utilizing their efforts in the summer season when things were usually slow. The increase in post-applied herbicides, however, had made summer one of the
busiest times of the year. Most years would find us spraying from April into August. As the equipment was wearing out, the decision was made to invest no more time or capital into the aging concrete plant. When it became apparent
the plant was on her last leg, the decision to close was made. No job was lost due to this closure.
Well, now 2003 is upon us and Casey Fertilizer is still going as strong as ever. We are now 55 years of age!! The company now has
eleven full-time employees, and will employ four to six seasonal workers, as well. We have four liquid floaters, two dry floaters, one conventional dry truck, two high clearance applicators, one pick-up sprayer, 68 anhydrous
wagons, several anhydrous toolbars, and a fleet of nurse units and trucks. All in all, over $1,000,000 in rolling stock alone, to keep up with the demand placed upon us by constantly growing farms and larger equipment.
Services
include; Soybean Cyst Nematode testing lab; Soil Fertility program featuring GPS mapping; Custom Application of both liquid and dry fertilizers; complete line of crop protection pesticides; Anhydrous Ammonia and equipment; a
complete seed line including Asgrow, Dekalb, Campbell, and Kruger; on staff Certified Crop Adviser; full time sales personnel; professional applicators; as well as the Warehouse of UAN and Potash. We are quick to point out that
none of this is possible without the hard working, dedicated employees who work diligently to make it all happen.
Loyal customers are the key to growth in our industry. No one is more aware of that fact than Casey Fertilizer.
Here, your business is never expected, and always appreciated. We will do our level best to earn your business every time we provide you with a product or service.
Casey Fertilizer has always been up for the
challenges that a constantly changing agricultural industry places upon it. It is our goal to remain the best choice for soil fertility and crop protection products to our clientele. We are well aware that many choices for these
same inputs are available. Casey Fertilizer Company, Inc., strives to be the growers "best" choice.
There you have it, a brief history of the Casey Fertilizer Company. This is not the end of the story, rather the
beginning. Thanks to each one who has made this process possible, to all who ever worked here, to each who has done business here, to each vendor who brought a new idea or innovative product. I think all will agree that this is a
company of vision, founded by a true man of integrity, and continues to operate with both, integrity and vision.
On behalf of the Casey Fertilizer Family, THANKS!
Clarence and Evelyn Crouch, deceased
Bill (President) and Judy Crouch
John (Secretary, Manager) and Shelley Crouch
Don (Asst. Secretary, Manager) and Dee Scott
