The Agriculture Team | Peterson Know-How

Aaron Bengtson, CCA

NW Minnesota/NE North Dakota CCA

Aaron Bengtson grew up on a farm near Battle Lake, Minnesota, so agriculture has always been a big part of his life. Before joining Peterson, Aaron spent nearly a decade working in agronomy and seed, including roles with Bayer Crop Science and Ashby Equity Association. Having worked with Peterson as a dealer for years, he saw firsthand the company’s commitment to people, local performance and doing things the right way.

When he’s not working with customers, Aaron enjoys spending time with family, working on the farm, restoring collector vehicles and tractors, ice fishing, hunting and occasionally singing karaoke.

Chris Fedje

Regional Agronomist

701-208-1332
Email Chris

Chris Fedje supports growers and dealers across central North Dakota with practical, data-driven agronomy. Raised in Rugby, ND, and an active partner in his family farm, he brings firsthand perspective along with 12 years of experience in research and retail agronomy.

Chris focuses on turning local research into clear, actionable recommendations that help growers make confident decisions throughout the season. He holds a B.S. in Crop and Weed Science from North Dakota State University and is a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA).

Troy Grinde

Hunter Sales Agronomist

701-430-3048
Email Troy

A Portland, ND native, Troy brings a lifetime of farming experience and a strong passion for helping growers succeed. Based out of our Hunter office, he combines hands-on knowledge with an easygoing communication style that farmers appreciate.

Having grown Peterson seed on his family farm for more than 15 years, Troy is proud to now represent the company firsthand. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, golfing, cheering on Bison football, and spending time with his wife, Hannah, and their three kids.

Sara Brakke

Sales Program Coordinator

701-941-4167
Email Sara

Based in our Prosper HQ, Sara supports Peterson’s sales team and Promise+ Rewards program, bringing strong organizational skills and a background in customer relations.

Originally from Jamestown and Bismarck, she’s excited to learn the ag world firsthand and connect with dealers and partners across the region. Outside of work, Sara enjoys reading thrillers, crafting with her Cricut, spending time with her family and dog, and snowmobiling or relaxing on the lake depending on the season.

Jody Wynia

Director of Sales and Marketing

612.251.1164
Email Jody

A Wagner, SD native, Jody brings more than 20 years of agribusiness leadership experience to Peterson. His career includes roles with WinField, Bayer, BASF and S&W Seed, where he led teams across sales, marketing and operations.

At Peterson, Jody is focused on strengthening customer relationships and driving innovation. Outside of work, he enjoys football, golf, hunting and spending time with his wife, Gretchen, and their two college-aged children.

Brandon Van Den Einde

Kindred Sales Agronomist

218.686.5300
Email Brandon

A Fertile, MN native, Brandon brings fresh energy and a strong agronomic foundation to Peterson’s Prosper headquarters. A graduate of the University of Minnesota Crookston, he combines classroom knowledge with hands-on experience from internships at AgriMAX, LG Seeds and Aigen.

Brandon’s love for agriculture runs deep—fueled by growing up on the family farm and a passion for helping crops thrive. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings.

Grace Brown

Business Operations Coordinator

701.282.7476
Email Grace

Grace brings more than a decade of customer service and coordination experience to Peterson. She supports daily operations and enjoys connecting with people across the company to help keep things running smoothly.

Drawn to Peterson’s positive reputation and friendly, Midwest culture, Grace is excited to build relationships and contribute to a team that feels like family. Outside of work, she enjoys time at the lake, walking her dogs, and playing golf or pool with her husband.

Mike Stenvold

Southeast North Dakota

701-741-4665
Email Mike

Mike Stenvold has a degree from the “School of Hard Knocks” and isn’t afraid to use it. A Grand Forks native who grew up helping on his uncle’s farm near Oslo, MN, Mike has over a decade of experience as a seed dealer and equipment rep. He’s focused on building relationships, meeting new customers and making sure every acre gets the right product. He joined PFS for the same reason many do—the people (and maybe the quality seed helps, too). When Mike’s not working, you’ll probably find him outdoors, on a motorcycle or at a dirt track.

Chris Bryce

Regional Agronomist

320.424.1874
Email Chris

Based in Glenwood, MN, Chris brings more than 20 years of agronomic experience to Peterson. He works with growers and dealers across southern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, combining hands-on experience with a practical, problem-solving approach.

Drawn to Peterson’s strong culture and farmer-first mindset, Chris enjoys helping each operation reach its full potential. Outside of work, he and his family enjoy showing cattle, traveling, relaxing at the lake—and the occasional scuba dive.

Ben Shepherd

Regional Agronomist

701-739-0238
Email Ben

A Devils Lake native, Ben brings more than a decade of agronomic experience to the Peterson team. Based in the Red River Valley, he works closely with dealers and growers across the region to provide local support and agronomic insight.

Drawn to agriculture for both the people and the outdoors, Ben enjoys helping others succeed in the field. When he’s not out walking plots, you’ll find him hunting, fishing, helping on the farm or spending time with his wife and daughter.

Tracy Coombe

Agronomy Manager – Prosper, ND

701.707-8814
Email Tracy

Tracy Coombe has three degrees from NDSU, a drone license and a knack for making agronomy sound exciting (because it is). Growing up down the road from a Corteva breeding site, she discovered early on that science and farming make a great pair—and she’s been chasing that mix ever since. With 13 years in the seed industry and stints at Bayer, BASF and UPL, Tracy has worn just about every agronomy hat there is. Now, as Agronomy Manager at Peterson, she’s focused on giving growers more tools, more insights and more ways to turn research into results. When she’s not in the field, she’s probably fishing with her husband, hiking or planning their next adventure. The most recent? Getting married in Costa Rica to kick off 2025. (Turns out “destination wedding” pairs well with “tropical honeymoon.”)

Cody Fults

Sales Agronomist – Kindred

218.770.9474
Email Cody

Hailing from west central Minnesota, Cody found a love for agriculture at a young age, helping out on his grandfather and uncle’s farm. He continued to follow agriculture through high school by extensively participating in 4-H and FFA, and he chose the University of Minnesota Crookston, where he majored in Ag-Business with an Agronomy minor. After college, he worked in ag retail in Morris, MN. Cody possesses the skills and knowledge to help customers fit the right product to the right field. When he isn’t working, you can find him golfing, hunting, or closely following the Vikings.

Kelsey Pellman (Stumvoll)

Soybean Product Manager

701.460.7643
Email Kelsey

Having grown up around a fifth–generation family farm, Kelsey always knew she wanted a career in ag. Graduating from NDSU’s Crop & Weed program, she brings a background in soil health and a natural curiosity for the ‘whys’ and the ‘hows’ of what happens in your field. If she doesn’t know the answer, you can bet she will find someone who does! Be sure to utilize Kelsey’s drive, curiosity, and passion for agriculture to help you raise more bushels on your farm. When she’s not researching the latest in ag news and products, Kelsey is usually on the lake fishing, hunting, or lost in the mountains snowmobiling.

Whitney Polejewski

Grower Services / Sales Support

701.282.7476
Email Whitney

Growing up with grandparents directly across the road and lots of cousins nearby, Whitney has a deep appreciation for the benefits of a healthy farm community. And like a true farmer’s daughter, when asked for her favorite part of the fall season, she unashamedly responds, “Beet Harvest!” Although the lake is her favorite place to get-away, Whitney loves to travel and hopes to cross a few more countries off her bucket list in the next few years.

Drew Roden

Sales Agronomist – Prosper, ND

701.371.0918
Email Drew

We feel like we won the jackpot when Drew joined our team. Hometown boy, friend, neighbor and now awesome Retail Sales Agronomist. What a sweet deal! Not to mention a real go-getter. Drew majored in Agriculture Systems Management with two minors: Precision Agriculture and Crop and Weed Sciences. Now that’s a well-rounded resume! In his role as Retail Sales Agronomist he works with Prosper area farmers to help them raise top crops.

Rick Swenson

Corn Product Manager

218.770.8975
Email Rick

Rick is a true agronomist at heart. He gets excited about the ins and outs of product performance and helping growers — or, as many become, friends — find the very best products for their acres. When he isn’t thinking about the next great additions to the Peterson lineup, he enjoys spending time hunting and in the outdoors.

Cody Olson

Eastern South Dakota

605.929.5688
Email Cody

Cody Olson got the farming bug from all sides growing up in South Dakota with both sets of grandparents farming. After a summer internship with us, he was convinced he could do good things for farmers in South Dakota through Peterson Farms Seed.

He joined the team after graduating from NDSU (though that won’t keep him from a Jack’s game). His personal mission is to deliver amazing service while helping his customer’s get bigger and better yields from their fields.

Jade Albrecht

Sales Manager, CCA

701.893.8170
Email Jade

As a farm-kid at heart, Jade’s love for agriculture runs deep. Hailing from a fifth generation farm in South Dakota, Jade learned early on the importance of the family farm and the hard work needed to keep that legacy moving forward. Armed with a degree in Crop & Weed Sciences and a minor in Soil Science from NDSU, Jade started his career as an agronomist at a Fargo area Co-Op. Jade credits his time at the Co-Op for helping him establish great relationships with area farmers, solidifying his love for agronomy and the people he gets to work with. Jade has a passion for helping farmers navigate through problems toward solutions and we think that sounds like a recipe for success! When he isn’t in the field, Jade likes to snowmobile, snowboard, hunt and travel with his wife.

Kaelin Kyllo

Hunter Sales Agronomist CCA

701.430.0187
Email Kaelin

With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, Kaelin Kyllo strives to help growers in the Hunter area reach their goals. He does this by placing the right hybrids and varieties on the right soil types, a knack he’s developed from his CCA experiences. When he isn’t busy caring for growers, Kaelin is out on the golf course, the baseball field or the seat of a snowmobile.

Travis Winter

East Central Minnesota

320.290.4096
Email Travis

Travis is one of those people that sought agriculture out, rather than being born into it. He got his start working on a dairy farm a few miles from his childhood home in Belgrade, MN where to this day he still helps out from time-to-time. Originally attending college to be a radiology tech, Travis just couldn’t deny his love of farming. So he changed majors and graduated from NDSU with a degree in crop and weed sciences and boy are we happy he did! Travis puts a lot of emphasis on developing good relationships. He loves working with growers to help them solve their big problems. Travis likes to spend his free time hunting, fishing, working out and spending time with friends and family.

NOW HIRING!

Southeast ND / Northeast SD, CCA

We’re currently on the hunt for a Southeast ND / Northeast SD Territory Manager! Think you’d be a great fit? Learn more here about the job and how to apply!

Jeff Olson

Central North Dakota CCA

701.659.3246
Email Jeff

Jeff Olson has a wealth of ag experience to share with farmers in central North Dakota. He has lived in Jamestown for most of his adult life and knows that farming area extensively, as he has spent his entire career focused there. Jeff’s ag credentials include a BS degree from NDSU in Ag Economics as well as his CCA accreditation. A native of Maddock, Jeff loves motorcycle riding as well as hunting and camping. You can frequently see Jeff “clowning around” as a Shrine clown, raising funds for their children’s hospitals.

Kayla Voeller

NW Minnesota/NE North Dakota

701.430.6820
Email Kayla

Some of you may recognize Kayla Voeller from her three years spent as a grower service rep with Peterson Farms Seed. Anyone who has met Kayla learns quickly how welcoming, passionate, and friendly she is to everyone she comes across. Kayla’s ‘get it done attitude’ makes her a wonderful partner for our awesome dealers. When Kayla is not working with dealers, you will find her with her husband and two kids headed to the lake or helping at the farm.

Mike Sorby

West Central Minnesota, CCA

701.238.3914
Email Mike

Mike Sorby claims he has ‘farming in his blood’. Having grown up on a farm south of Fargo, agriculture has always been his life. He completed his degree in agribusiness, and then followed it up with a career working directly with farmers, first with ag chemicals and now with seed. Mike says the best part of his job is “helping growers find the best hybrid suited to their particular fields.” Mike’s hobbies include “working, golf and the lake,” in that order! And by the way, he answers to the name “Big Sexy.”

Craig LaVoi

Southwest Minnesota CCA

218-282-0791
Email Craig

As an experienced sales agronomist, Craig LaVoi brings his passion for finding sound agronomic solutions to southwest Minnesota. From a young age, Craig learned the value of a hard day’s work on his family’s dairy farm. He applies that work ethic to everything he does, from working to stay ahead of the ever-evolving problems the ag industry is faced with, to earning his CCA designation. When he’s not thinking about agriculture, Craig spends his time with his wife and sons, fishing, and hunting. Don’t forget to ask him about his annual sturgeon fishing trip on the Rainy River or to see his amazing hand carved fish lures!

Paul Bromley

Northwest North Dakota

701.399.6944
Email Paul

Don’t let his non-traditional path fool you – Paul, who grew up on a farm, is nothing but an asset to northwest North Dakota farmers. While serving our country in the National Guard, Paul decided to pursue his college ambitions. In 2016, he earned his Crop and Weed Sciences degree from NDSU and earned his CCA right after that! Determined, hard-working, and knowledgeable, Paul is willing to do whatever it takes to help growers find solutions to his region’s unique challenges. When he’s not in the field, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter on their farm, hunting, and working on classic cars.

Kendall Bonds

Director of Product

701.282.7476
Email Kendall

Kendall Bonds will tell you he plays guitar and trumpet “very poorly,” but when it comes to agriculture, he’s a pro. With 25 years in plant breeding and research seed production, he’s passionate about helping farmers succeed.

Originally from Stratford, Texas, Kendall holds a Master’s in Agronomy from Texas A&M. His career has spanned multiple crops, including corn, soybeans, cotton and wheat. Now, as Director of Product at Peterson Farms Seed, he’s focused on uniting research, product selection and agronomy to deliver the best genetics to growers.

Off the clock, Kendall enjoys stargazing—both visually and through astrophotography—and diving into history books. He and his wife of 27 years keep busy with their four daughters, ages 16 to 23.

Tyler Erickson

Director of Business Operations

701.282.7476
Email Tyler

As Director of Business Operations, Tyler Erickson oversees day-to-day operations across sales enablement, dealer services, supply chain and customer experience—streamlining processes and systems so our team and partners can serve growers more efficiently. Born and raised in the Red River Valley, Tyler holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead. An avid sports fan, he can be found cheering for the Twins, boating at the lake and attempting the occasional round of golf.

Scott Sanders

General Manager

701.282.7476
Email Scott

As General Manager, Scott Sanders is responsible for oversite of day-to-day operations of the business. He’s the guy helping drive forward the long-term vision for the company and helping us dream of the future. Scott is a North Dakota native, with an undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of St. Thomas and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia. When he isn’t helping shape the company, you might find him on the golf course trying to improve his handicap or sitting in a stand waiting for the big buck.

Julie Peterson

Vice President

Email Julie

Julie Peterson’s responsibilities center on marketing and human resource management. But she is truly the glue that holds Peterson Farms Seed together as she is charged with “catching the things that can fall through the cracks” as a company grows. A proud native of Iowa, she feels blessed to be part of the vibrant North Dakota ag industry. As a staunch believer in the power of volunteerism, she actively participates in both youth development and ag advocacy projects.

Carl Peterson

President CCA

Email Carl

Carl Peterson is proud to say, “I have lived in the same house my entire life and I’ve never had a job.” Which means, Carl grew up and still lives on the home place his grandfather purchased in 1918. And that, as an entrepreneur and small business owner, he has never had to go through an employment interview. Carl thrives on identifying and solving problems. His professional credentials include a BS in Ag Production from Iowa State; MS in Ag Econ from Purdue; MBA from Indiana University; and is CCA accredited. Carl reads voraciously and most weekends he can be found playing piano and singing on his church worship team. And as a master of trivia, he always seems to have a quirky come-back.

THE PETERSON TEAM

Our team is the cream of the crop.

We wouldn’t be successful without their expertise, and their Midwestern roots means they understand what it means to be a farmer up here.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Jade Albrecht

Meet Our Ag Team

Mike Stenvold

Troy Grinde