The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

In the fall of 2016, Ryan Jensen noticed a need in the community, so he decided to start an agriculture supply business in order to make quality products available locally. With Milk River Ag, he can obtain and distribute supplies like seed and feed and hay wrap, making them readily accessible to local farmers and ranchers.

Milk River Ag is a family owned business where Jensen and his wife Linae grow hay and cattle and raise their three children: Levi (14), Ashlyn (12), and January (8) near Chinook. “Our business was formed out of the need for a seed and feed company specializing in products that are adapted to Northern Montana’s environment. Linae is an integral part our operation by doing the book work and helping with farm work, all while being a mom to our kids,” Jensen said.

Bridging the gap between science and sustainability, the seed that Milk River Ag sells is adapted to grow here, in this climate. With science on their side, producers are assured of greater productivity, profitability and sustainability for every crop.

Jensen, a 1999 graduate of Chinook High School and a lifetime resident of Blaine County, has been farming his entire life. He and his wife started their own farm/ranch in 2008, when they purchased their first piece of land from Joe Brummer. The Jensens also own an irrigated farm east of Chinook where they reside, and they lease pasture south of Zurich for their cow/calf operation from Jensen’s dad, Dave Jensen.

Jensen attended MSU-Northern from 1999-2003 and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Diesel Technology, an Associate Degree in Ag Mechanics, and an Associate Degree in Auto Body. After graduation, he worked for the Blaine County Road Department as a mechanic from 2003-2006. Following that employment, he took his talents to the natural gas field working full time for Devon Energy and NorthWestern Energy until 2016 when he resigned to concentrate on their agriculture operation.

“Being farmers and ranchers ourselves, we search for seed brands developed to be top performers in Northern Montana’s climate. The companies we represent are industry leaders in their research and development of new products that are tried, tested, and true to their claims. We believe that the brands we represent and varieties we carry offer our customers the highest potential return on their seed investment,” Jensen explained.

Some of the seeds Milk River Ag has available include canola, soybeans, corn, grasses, cover crops, and annual forages. Although Jensen doesn’t have a store front, he was available at the Seed Show in March, flying his banner and advertising products like Pritchett net wrap, CrystalBlox Supplements, and Hubbard feeds. He currently rents space at the Rainbow Irrigation building, using it as a storage warehouse.

“Our direct relationship with Hubbard Feeds allows us to provide area livestock producers with a full line of feed and supplement for all classes of livestock,” Jensen said.

One of the feeds in that division, Show-Rite, is targeted to individuals in organizations like 4-H and FFA who raise an animal for market through the show ring. Whether for lambs, pigs, or cattle, these feeds are specially formulated with nutrients for optimal health and performance, according to Jensen.

“Hubbard Feeds employ nutritional technologies that help animals maximize their growth, for example. They even use additives that enable show animals to overcome the stress associated with transporting and sale and show preparations,” Jensen said.

Whether you’re trying to control flies, improve lactation, or reduce scours, nutrition impacts herd health. Jensen described several supplements and the latest technology in the mineral world that lowers the price and controls consumption for maximum profitability. “Bio Range is the most popular Hubbard Mineral for Northern Montana. It contains chelated trace minerals and offers consistent consumption year-round,” he added.

According to Jensen, the most satisfying aspect of his business is providing the best product for the situation. Once he has an opportunity to hear a producer’s dilemma or concerns, he is able to tailor a solution to meet those individual needs.

“It is this personalization that is missing from the big box stores. All of what I do is based on specialization and unique experiences. After a discussion with a grower, I can recommend which product will best fit his or her operational goals or which offers the quickest delivery available, and then follow-up during the growing season.

“If we don’t have the answers to a grower’s question, we have working relationships with the experts that do. Industry agronomists are also available to our customers to assist in crop health concerns. We even offer laboratory services from one of the top labs in the nation. Sample services include but are not limited to forage, tissue, water, and soil,” Jensen explained.

As a farmer and rancher himself, he can draw from personal experience raising crops and feeding supplements. These testimonials provide information that isn’t available from customer service personnel who may have no agriculture background or firsthand knowledge. “We use the products we sell,” Jensen said.

Because their seeds and feeds are selected to excel in Northern Montana, Milk River Ag’s motto is Seed. Feed. Succeed.

What has surprised Jensen most about owning a business is the fact that customers are not just looking for a product but searching for knowledge and advice from a trusted source, especially a source with firsthand experience. As an owner of his own farm/ranch, Jensen can provide that.

“The advice that I like to pass on to farmers and ranchers is to start thinking outside the box of what they may have always traditionally done. Seed and feed technology is continually advancing with many new or improved products that create opportunities to improve operational efficiencies,” Jensen said. “Being an independent dealer allows us to supply the products that enable our customers to achieve the best return on investment for their purchases.”