LEADERSHIP

We encourage our frontline employees to make timely decisions at ground level. But some situations require calling in a specialist. We’re fortunate to have a team of highly experienced practitioners ready to backstop our field staff.

Don’t be surprised if you meet one of our team leaders out in the thick of things from time to time. They’re not afraid of a little dirt and they seek opportunities to hear what customers have to say.

Troy Upah, CEO
In 2002, Troy Upah accepted the challenge to manage overall vision and direction for Ag Partners. He is responsible for hiring and retaining key employees, implementing the company’s mission, and allocating resources to best meet customer needs.

Troy previously served as Ag Partners’ financial team leader from 1997 to 2002. His career in ag finance spanned 20 years.
 		 Fran Marron, Vice President Grain
Fran Marron started out in Alceco operations back in 1976. He rose through the ranks and, in 1997, when Ag Partners formed, was a logical choice for Vice President of Grain.

Fran oversees grain origination and marketing for an ever-increasing annual corn and soybean volume delivered to our elevators. His job also includes truck and rail transportation supervision as well as grain movements to ethanol plants.
 
Steve Betts,
Vice President Agronomy

Steve Betts began his employment with Ag Partners in 2011. His responsibilities as Vice President of Agronomy include fertilizer and chemical procurement, product management, and development of overall strategies for the company’s agronomy business.

A native of Creston, Steve has spent the last 20 years with a primary focus on fertilizer and risk management. Most recently residing in Ames, Steve has experience working in the ag industry in the Midwest and Southeast regions. His career has included positions with Honeywell and UnitedSuppliers.

Steve is a member of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) serving on special committees. He was previously involved with agribusiness associations in both Missouri and Florida.

 

 Scott Lovin, Vice President Feed
Scott Lovin manages the Ag Partners feed business unit. He is responsible for feed-mill employees, inventory, sales, and operations—our mills have a combined one-million tons production capacity.

Starting in 1983, when he came to Alceco, Scott had the opportunity to learn the workings of several key operations—logistics, animal health, and purchasing. He was a Supervisor and Location Leader before assuming his current duties as Feed Team Leader. Scott is a member of the National Grain & Feed Manufacturing & Technology Committee and serves on the boards of our two feed joint ventures.
 
Brent Low, Vice President Sales & Marketing
In his role as Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Brent Low is responsible for customer satisfaction. He leads a team of employees fully dedicated to listening to, advising, and assisting Ag Partners customers. Brent’s unique focus ensures Marketing Service Reps, Grain Field Marketers, and Customer Service Reps (in agronomy) will always be available to customers—not dividing their time with field operations.

Brent spent a number of years gaining experience in seed sales and distribution. Prior to taking up his responsibilities at Ag Partners, he was a national accounts leader for an electronic commerce company.		 Jeremy Lee, Vice President Finance
Administrative duties including financial analysis, statement preparation, credit management, and information technology (IT) are Jeremy Lee’s responsibility. He manages the Ag Partners accounting and administration team.

Jeremy came to Ag Partners from Ag Country Farm Credit Services where he was a business analyst.





 
Dan De Jong, Vice President – Western Operations
Dan De Jong and Jeff Hanks oversee daily operations for Ag Partners. With the support of our Location Leaders, they supervise activities at all agronomy and grain sites.

In the western region, Dan manages day-to-day events in an area that covers northwest Iowa from Sioux City to Orange City to the Minnesota border. He’s an Orange City native who spent 19 years with Midwest Farmers Cooperative and he also gained valuable experience working in a large grain and livestock operation.		 Jeff Hanks, Vice President – Eastern Operations
Jeff is responsible for facilities in the Ag Partners eastern region which stretches in all directions from Albert City. He has been a member of the Ag Partners team for 13 years. Jeff is a member of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society.