Cover Crop Experts
Need to get the the root of a problem? Reach out to any of our Cover Crop Experts and receive personalized advice based on your unique planting.
Ron Althoff
Effingham, IL
(217) 868-5181
Ron graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1969 with a degree in Agronomy. He has been married to Becky for 45 years, they have five children and seven grandchildren. Ron managed a large co-op, which included a feed mill, grain elevator, and seed processing plant along with the custom application of chemicals, fertilizer and anhydrous. Later, he took a position as Forage and Turf Manager for a large regional seed company, working with a group of retail dealers throughout the Midwest and North East. He became the General Manager for this company and assumed responsibility for the rest of the company’s product lines, which included the production and sales of soy, wheat, and exports of food-grade soy. Ron joined Saddle Butte in 2000 for the opportunity to pursue his passion for improving the quality of soil and water while reducing erosion.
TJ Kartes
Blooming Prairie, MN
(507) 339-1742
TJ attended the University of Minnesota Waseca and studied sales and finance. While going to school TJ worked for Festal Farms, which was a privately owned canning company in Owatonna MN, where he learned about production agriculture. Later on, TJ worked at a local feed mill and helped his uncle on the family farm. When they started using cover crops on the farm and saw the difference cover crops made TJ knew he was hooked. TJ has had dealerships with other companies before, but his first-hand experience on the farm really makes him an asset to the Saddle Butte team.
Brian Wieland
Princeville, IL
(309) 219-4403
Brian was born and raised on a grain farm growing mainly corn and soybeans. He and his wife live with their family on the farm where he was raised in Princeville, IL (near Peoria). Brian graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelors degree in Agriculture Production. Brian’s past experience includes working in the agriculture consulting and farm management industry as well as production agriculture. He also operates his own seed dealership business selling mostly seed corn and soybeans. Brian was introduced to cover crops through his crop scouting business in his quest for better roots and healthier soils. In 2014, Brian joined Saddle Butte and immediately began putting his agronomy skills and passion for soil health to work for our customers.
Cary Yates
Monroe City, MO
(573) 600-0037
Cary brings a wealth of experience and passion for agriculture, soil health, and regenerative practices that will be a tremendous asset to our team.
Cary is a shepherd and agronomist based in northeast Missouri. His journey in soil health began in 2016 after witnessing the soil “slake” test, inspiring him to commit to regenerative practices. Since then, Cary and his father have transformed their row crop farm into a regenerative operation. Cary and his wife have started a homestead near the family farm, where they enjoy raising chickens, caring for guardian dogs, and growing much of their own food.
