Young leaders in ag retail are recognized for their role in being the farmers’ trusted adviser in The Scoop 40 Under 40.
One of Valley Ag’s leaders, Sean McCarthy, was recently recognized as one of 40 Under 40 by The Scoop. Sean manages two agronomy facilities for Valley Ag in Eastern Idaho. In the time that Sean has managed these facilities, he’s grown the team from under 10 to over 60 on staff and serves many growers in the American Falls and Pocatello area. Sean works intentionally to strategically manage and support the team that makes it all happen for Valley Ag’s growers.
Sean may not have come from an ag background, but after one year as an Ag Clerk following a 15-year career in management for a major consumer brand retailer, it was a no-brainer to select Sean for the fertilizer plant in need of a manager. In his first year as plant manager, he helped kick-start, project-manage, purchase, and hire for an additional 2.3 million gallon and 27,000-ton capacity bulk fertilizer plant nearby. The site was challenging to renovate, but Sean and his Valley Ag team collaborated to get the plant online and operating. Being very strategic, Sean made a point to establish strong relationships with the people that could help him understand his place in leading a team in our ag retail business. His innate ability to lead and manage has left him with a group of people who look to, respect, and admire him as a leader, and most importantly, a part of their team.
The way Sean prioritizes customers truly sets him apart as an incredible leader in the ag retail space. He’s identified where he can influence the entire team to ensure Valley Ag customers have a valuable experience. So many strategies go into this; operations, supply management, sales, financials, staffing, and more — Sean puts great intent into creating and carrying out his plans.
We asked Sean what his favorite thing about being in ag retail was. He named two things: specific to Valley Ag, his favorite part is working for a cooperative that gives back to its grower-owners, for ag retail in general, he commented on how he is grateful to work with the people who make up the agriculture community. “Other types of retail don’t have a family aspect as ag does. Plus, we get to help the people that grow food and supplies for the world. I’d have to say that’s on my list of favorites,” said Sean.
Sean isn’t only a great manager; he’s a father and husband too — and a youth sports coach and an active member in his church. It takes a highly-skilled and organized person to be involved with so many people. Our Valley Ag staff is so thankful to have Sean as a leader in our cooperative business. Please join us in congratulating Sean on his recognition!
Learn more at The Scoop 40 Under 40