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| Not Everything is Fine and Dandy but it could be with AGGRAND |
December 2009 |
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If you are new to AGGRAND please order the G1380 AGGRAND Binder. Start using the products on your house plants or elsewhere if you are in a warm climate.
Become prepared now as AMSOIL invests in more staff and production for the increase in demand.
Aggrand is a great income source and it's quite satisfying to work with.
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 Amsoil's AGGRAND - Position Yourself
This long overdue newsletter will help most dealers transition to a top sales dealer for AMSOIL's other product - AGGRAND, helping you to provide answers and hope to many entering some tough times. Solutions to problems is what we call it. But you can't solve the problems if you don't know what they are! Please feel free to call and go over this information. I'm finding the subject more rewarding as these materials emerge. Please plan to attend AMSOIL events as that will only increase your familiarity with the facts about AGGRAND. Please review the great AGGRAND brochures, the G1380 binder, the CD's I have been sending out from the DJ convention which included AGGRAND sales detail (if you didn't get one please let me know), there's also the excellent Field Sales Tool located in the training section in the dealer zone and lastly my www.liquidorganicfertilizer website which I am updating now. There is plenty of material to get caught up on this. |
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Becoming a top AGGRAND Dealer
First I would like to thank Pino Policelli, dealer in Toronto, ON for asking the tough questions causing me to need to read up once again the AGGRAND Soil Fertility Guide. I can tell you if you want to really move AGGRAND here are some tips.
In this newsletter we will simply focus on how to make a recommendation to a gardener or farmer and study the balance of the major elements. We also need to consider how to recognize application rates regarding the different types of soil. |
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AGGRAND SOIL FERTILITY GUIDE
In the past I relied on the published AGGRAND application recommendations on any review. Seemed to have fair to good results meaning same or better results than what the farmer was using prior with a few bad reports no one wants to hear about.
Now thanks to the Soil Fertility Guide that has changed. I have read this now several times as well as the voice over presentation found in the training area of the dealer zone.
I'll start by recommending that the reader scan over this soil analysis guide (found in the training area of the dealer zone) then read it more thoroughly a 2nd time. Next if the ground isn't frozen, or as soon as you can take a couple soil samples of your own and have analyzed to start a history of soil analysis from Midwest Labs in Omaha - the lab AGGRAND suggests. Please take your time to take the sample correctly because just as with motor oil analysis, an incorrect sample will through off the results completely. Future soil analysis should be taken from the same areas and seasonal conditions per the recommendations in the guide. (you can also request a soil sampling guide from Midwest labs which also contains several blank forms for helping multiple customers later. The cost is about the same as your county extension office but if the property is often used in harvests you should not rely totally on regional published results. Let a professional lab examine the samples. Midwest samples up to 10,000 samples a day from all across the country!
Also as you start to understand this clear from your mind that you are switching someone to organic. Really all you are doing is getting the elements and micronutrients in check. Everything else will take its course as applications are worked in and practices are adjusted to return elements (tillage) back into the soil. With the right modifications, soil structure and fertility improve over time. Using AGGRAND inst a theory or "a new way to get the crops to take off", it's just simple organic chemistry. Outside of having the perfect results the plants may still not respond well. You may have bad genetic seeds, drought, untimely rains, other changes in soil or climatic conditions. Should problems persist don't give up - other options exist.
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Basic Soil Tests:
One benefit from using Midwest Labs for your soil tests is that AGGRAND is sent a copy. This way if you have questions or want to get a 2nd opinion on your recommendation you have a opportunity for feedback to test your own initial response then the customer can decide based on the cost of the various options. This has worked out well for me just recently. The AGGRAND Soil Fertility Guide/Report based on your or the customers analysis results yields confidence to your profession.
Elements: Organic Matter, Nitrogen, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Cation exchange capacity, PH and Base Saturation.
What makes the guide helpful is you can almost get your recommendation by looking up the results for each element then plugging them into the test level recommendation suggestions for each element then looking at the aggrand products for the match. Read and see for your self. There's no need to retype the guide here. Then take in consideration that no matter the amount of said element being available in the soil, the element may not be available to the crop w/o the helper element. This is also discussed in the guide but don't be intimidated. It's written in order so just sit down with some graph paper and chart it out.
Soil types. Learn how to improve soil conditions such as the soil's ability to hold potassium, halt exchange capacity, OM (organic matter) being converted to a toxin to microbial activity, lack of water capacity or nutrient holding capacity.
PH - Pay attention to how PH may or may not increase the need for Calcium, Potassium or Magnesium. On more alkaline soils where the crop reacts better to a more acidic value (be sure to look that up based on the crop) perhaps suggest adding apple cider vinegar to the spray as this will add hardiness to the crop in those conditions.
Of course the liquid lime is a finely ground lime which can be absorbed by the leaves and roots. It offers excellent calcium support too but will aid low PH soils immediately while traditional powder ag-lime is working in over the years.
CEC - This is Key
How much 4-3-3 NOF? Well study the Cation Exchange Capacity and use that to determine just how much fertilizer you need. On lawns or farm customers who only want to use the 4-3-3 the best way to determine the requirement primarily to the suggested rates is through the CEC. If amendments are needed and the CEC is low - you should split the application in two or three lighter applications as the soil will not hold the product as well especially if it hasn't ben built up (sandy soil for example).
Compost and humates are the best way to increase CEC as well as the 4-3-3 and cover crops. Practices lacking mulching or returning residue matter need to be changed. The higher you get this number the less nutrients will be leached. Poor fertilization strategies will result in a low CEC.
On a side note relating to a frequent cause for problems, many farmers and gardeners make the big mistake of not using organic fertilizer heavy enough on their first application. In my opinion the heavier amount is needed due to the lack of organic matter in the soil due to conventional practices.
Read over several times the Base Saturation section (page 18). This is more of a summary of the balance you are looking for as well as a clue of what to expect if all you have is the soil type. Working with your customer on this will get his property to the perfect balance over a number of years making it well worth the effort. You want to be sure of what you are doing when you are asked to recommend products for that 2000 acre corn field.
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| Foliar Feeding
This is the main feature of Aggrand products. I will expand on this later as there exists plenty of material for you to read.
But foliar feeding will salvage a bad crop, solve early growth development, save time and guess work for large hay fields. Together AGGRAND 4-3-3 and 0-0-8 used before the stress of drought, frost, insect attack and disease stages may be reduced or eliminated. |
Seeking customers
I will be increasing my advertising methods via my website, online ads and I am thinking about running an ad in a upper Midwest farm magazine which has really good rates. Fertilizer costs are running people out of the farming business. There are also guides available for all organic growers in your state. Sending some information then following up with a call is a great idea. Also find out who and how to reach the big sod and wheat growers in your area are.
"Food plot owners are one of the top sectors of buyers to AGGRAND."
We have a solution right here. As the leads come in between now and March, if you are serious about working with customers please drop me a email so I can put you on my leads list. It's easier to sell a drum of AGGRAND than a drum of AME or ATF and the fertilizer is an item people need a whole lot of. And trust me, it's moving!
I suggest you get any projected spring orders in before February so the drums will be available. I believe they have a reserve program where they wont be charged until they pick-up or the product ships. | |
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 As posted in the ALTRUM news - a hint of whats coming in the AGGRAND Winter News. You will only receive the Aggrand News color newsletter only after purchasing at least one quart of AGGRAND.
Sprayer Makes Easy Work of Applying AGGRAND 4-3-3
Dealer Dave Richards Jr. of Maryland uses a 25 gallon tank with a Demco Sprayer to apply AGGRAND Natural Liquid Fertilizer 4-3-3.
Oregon Dealer Gets Best-Ever Results With AGGRAND Fertilizers
The winter AGGRAND News also brings you the story of Oregon Dealer Steve Zuber's results using AGGRAND fertilizers on his hay and oats. Zuber reports highest yield ever.
Kansas Golf Course Colors Up with AGGRAND 4-3-3
Sunflower Hills Golf Course in Bonner Springs, Kansas (above photo) experienced luxuriant greens during the 2009 growing season using AGGRAND 4-3-3. "The color and density of the turf has been excellent this season," said Frank Barthol, uperintendent of the golf course."I will definitely recommend this product as a supplement to our program again next year."
Complete details of how these AGGRAND Dealers and customers use and prosper with AGGRAND fertilizers can be found in the winter 2009 AGGRAND News, coming out in December.
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AGGRAND Markets
The markets in which to introduce and sell AGGRAND products are virtually limitless:
� Landscapers
Hydroseeders
� Lawn and turf care professionals
� Farmers: hay, alfalfa, corn, soybeans, wheat, production crops of all kinds
� Ranchers: pastures, hay
� Nurseries: organic and others
� Greenhouses
� Feed stores
� Natural health food co-ops and stores
� Parks and recreation
Cemetaries
� Golf courses
� Highway departments
� Hardware stores
� Farm implement dealers
� Garden stores and shops
Attend Trade Shows and Distribute Literature
The most effective way to break into the market and increase sales is by attending agricultural trade shows. They
don't always have to be big; small trade shows are good places to locate customers and develop leads as well.
Start small and meet the customers; familiarize yourself with the types of questions they typically ask; become
more confident in your product knowledge and presentations; understand customer concerns and help meet their
needs.
Research Competitive and Popular products
Search for stories on Scotts Bonus S - pretty toxic stuff! Could make you miss a few birthdays.
AGGRAND offers a variety of literature items that are ideal for handing out at trade shows:
� G1112 Products Brochure
� G1137 Comparison Test Flyer
� G1170 Easy Steps to Organic Lawn Care Brochure
� G1188 Lawn & Garden Products Fair Handout
� G1287 Fertilizer Flyer
� G1292 The Gardening Guide Brochure
� G1348 Comparison Brochure
Future Demand for Organic Fertilizers
A rapidly expanding market for organic fertilizers has created significantly increased demand for AGGRAND and
other organic fertilizers in each of the last three years, and the outlook for the organic fertilizer industry looks
bright. Some cities are actually banning the use of chemical fertilizers during rainy seasons!
With no price relief in sight for chemical fertilizers, the future will bring greater demand for not only
AGGRAND organic fertilizers, but for the organic and natural fertilizer industry as a whole. While chemical fertilizers
have risen in price dramatically over the past several years, the industry is also subject to plant start-ups,
closures and turnarounds; port delays and severe weather. Each of these factors has the potential to create supply
shortages that drive prices up even further.
Meeting Future Demand
Through the following actions, AGGRAND is taking steps to meet increased demand for its products well into the
future: (See the AGGRAND REPORT)
� Stockpiling raw materials
� Securing secondary and third sources of raw materials
� Expanding production capacity
� Stocking distribution centers with increased supplies of finished products
� Warehousing products in the winter to ensure plentiful supply during growing months
Newly expanded research and storage area for AGGRAND Products with staff to evaluate growing methods.
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In Closing
Thank you for spending your time and attention to this important topic. We will continue to expand on these ideas as the industry steamrolls ahead.
That concludes the newsletter so the bottom line is to test your own soil and study the analysis suggestions. This will significantly improve your success and growth of AGGRAND accounts. Always follow up with prior accounts and get T1 Certified and check the Dealer Zone often!
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