Agri-Services of Lebanon, Inc.
Owner: Dwight Bethurem
Location: Lebanon, Mo.
History: After leaving the banking industry, Dwight wanted to continue in an agriculture business to supplement the farm income. So in 1989, he opened Agri-Services of Lebanon as a fertilizer dealer.
In 1990, he expanded the business becoming a Tindle feed dealer and added warehouse space to handle the bulk feed. Then in 1992, Dwight began aerial services to his customers here and in surrounding states.
Products and Services: Agri-Services of Lebanon has continued to expand its product line and services to meet customer needs. Today, the company specializes in fertilizer, lime, seed, chemical, custom spraying, chicken litter and equipment sales and consignments. The majority of its business is within 35-40 miles of Lebanon; however, they deliver chemical within a 100-150 mile radius.
Controlling weeds in pasture continues to be a challenge. To assist in meeting this challenge, “we added liquid fertilizer to our product line,” Dwight said, adding that, “the combination of herbicides and liquid fertilizer is showing positive results.”
“In 2011 we rented the feed portion of the business to Kropf Feed, which freed up time to focus more on our fertilizer and chemical areas,” said Dwight.
Biggest Challenge: “The Economy,” explained Dwight. “Twenty years ago the majority of our business was dairy but now it is part-time operations requiring a variety of specialty products and services. Another challenge is for us to become more Internet friendly to make it easier for customers to do business with us.”
Future Plans: “We are looking at adding liquid fertilizer, pharmaceuticals and tack. Plus, we continuously explore new technologies especially advances in the corn and soybean industry,” concluded Dwight.
Story and Photo by Lynzee Glass
