When working with the distributors who will ultimately sell to growers, Todd still sticks to the basics. “My advice to them is to get the grower to look at three things: soil productivity, the fertility of the soil and then the grower’s management practices,” says Todd. “With that information, retailers can narrow down the hybrids that will best suit a field’s conditions.” Todd also emphasizes the relationship side of things. “When I work with growers, I ask a lot of questions up front. I need to understand all the needs of a grower and his management practices before I can even begin to recommend something. That’s another piece of advice I give retailers – get to know your growers and their business before you start suggesting solutions.”
Todd’s vast knowledge is recognized and respected throughout the U.S. by both retailers and growers. That’s why he’s often the go-to person when a unique situation or problem pops up. “I get called into a lot of different situations where we need help to find better products for a given environment because of how the seasons change every year,” remarked Todd. “I guess I haven’t lost the gift of troubleshooting!”
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