RKL Plant Foods, Inc.
Owners: Randy and Kenna Linebaugh
Company History: “My dad was spreading fertilizer in 1968,” Randy recalled, when asked about his company’s history. “I took over his business, and I’ve been spreading for 14 years. We will now be mixing fertilizer, that’s new.” His wife, Kenna, added, “Our plans are to be open Feb. 1, 2010.” “We have a very loyal customer base that has provided us the avenue to take this next step,” Randy said. “We have customers that were Randy’s dad’s,” Kenna added.
What are your products and services?
The Linebaughs have expanded their coverage area to reach more customers. “We’ll deliver and spread fertilizer almost anywhere,” Randy said. “We’ve always spread lime,” Randy said. “That (side of the business) has expanded because lime will make the ground use fertilizer more efficiently,” Kenna added. “We’ll be getting the raw materials, nitrogen, phosphate and potash, and custom mixing fertilizer. We will sell seed as an added service,” Randy said. They will also have fertilizer buggies available.
How do you set yourself apart from your competitors?
“Quality products. Due to me doing a majority of the applications, I demand a quality product,” Randy said, adding, “if I streak a field with dusty material, it makes me look bad. I make sure it’s a quality product.”
Kenna added, “Customer service is what we do. We try to take care of a customer from the beginning to the end. If there’s a problem with something, the customer will deal with us directly. We’re a family-run business, and our sons Trent and Kyle are also involved.”
Advice for the farmer?
“Soil test,” Randy said. “Especially with the rain we’ve had the last two summers. A lot of ground moisture pulls the pH down. The plant is able to take more nutrients out of the soil, because it’s not dormant in July and August.”
Kenna added, “Soil testing is so inexpensive compared to putting fertilizer out there and it not performing.”
By OFN Staff
