AVANT LEADERS

Fifty plus years of seed and crop input product sales, nutritional formulating, sales management, and consulting in agri-inputs with experience in 28 crops provide my diverse look at our agriculture, My approach is a system that helps growers improve their Actual Production History (APH), know their cost per bushel and improve their profitability. Driven by energy conservation concepts, and putting our microbial population to work with an excellent support system of food, minerals, oxygen, and letting them do what they do best with little or no damage to their ability to expand their populations with the least amount of tillage required.

Utilizing a degree in Animal Science and Agronomy from University of Missouri. I try to help growers put it all together in a package that works and is effective, that’s what I believe
my purpose to be!!

Thomas M. Dykstra, Ph.D.

Our laboratory director, Thomas M. Dykstra received his B.S. in entomology from Cornell University in 1990. He traveled down to the University of Florida and received his M.S. in entomology (1994) and investigated the neurophysiology of pheromone production in moths. Continuing at the University of Florida, he received a Ph.D. in insect bioelectromagnetics under Dr. Philip S. Callahan in 1997 Immediately following his degree, Dr. Dykstra started his own laboratory (Dykstra Laboratories, Inc.) in 1997 which more broadly investigates bioelectromagnetics ranging from bacteria to humans. Predominantly, he studies insect olfaction (how insects smell) from the standpoint of bioelectromagnetics and has developed a new theory based on the fusion of biophysics and neurophysiology.

Todd Zehr is a leader in the development of seed and crop inputs within the agricultural industry. He has distinguished himself as an innovator in plant food and seed physiological products and services across a continuum of over 300 different plant species around the world. This includes significant experience in providing yield improvement and soil quality upgrades in high value produce crops (fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.) and in row crops (corn, soybeans, etc.). For over 40 years, Todd has developed and implemented product specific technology for plant and soil health. Todd is the founder and owner of SoilBiotics, a company specializing in developing and manufacturing unique seed enhancements and plant nutritional products for agriculture. Todd has moved SoilBiotics into the forefront of developing products that are not only 100% sustainable, but environmentally friendly to soils and ground water.

Kurt Grimm is founder and CEO of NutraDrip. Kurt was born and raised on the farm in Northeast Kansas where he farms with 3 of his brothers and resides with his wife Hannah and their 8 children. They raise corn, soybeans, and specialty crop corn in northeast Kansas and southeast Nebraska. The family also has a greenhouse and landscaping operation. Kurt has always had a visionary mindset and is continually looking for ways to help farmers increase their yields. In 2016, Kurt founded NutraDrip with his brothers after experiencing a drought that severely impacted their farm ground. Thirteen years, 16 states, 25,000 acres, and 34 employees later, Kurt and his brother ,Ted, own and operate NutraDrip and have an ongoing vision of helping other farmers to be the best in the world at stewarding water and nutrients beginning with the quality of water.

Brad Zimmerman is the owner of Seedonomy, a dedicated agronomist, and a seasoned farmer. With extensive expertise in agriculture and soil management, he combines his passion for sustainable farming with innovative seed solutions to support farmers and improve crop yields.  From bartending in college and cooking currently ( he had a restaurant called Zim’s Diner of Campustown), he has enjoyed the mixology and has started applying it to crop fertility. Currently, formulating with Nutrient Management Specialists and pushing the creative envelope to grow higher yields, better.

Dir. of Grower Services, Goanna Ag; Owner, Irrigronomy LLC

Dr David Sloane is an international expert in irrigation agronomy and is currently the Director of Grower Services at Goanna Ag. He was formerly the Chief Agronomist with GroGuru Inc. and prior to that the Chief Agronomist with AquaSpy Inc.  He is one of the foremost experts in soil moisture sensors and their use in irrigation management of a wide range of commodity and specialty crops.  David is a graduate of the University of Sydney and did his PhD in Agronomy at the University of Adelaide, where his area of study was plant-water relations.  He has been working with soil moisture and environmental sensors for over 30 years and for the last 17 years he has been based in the USA. David has spent almost two decades working with irrigators in the western corn belt of the USA and through the introduction of Strategic Irrigation Management, he has helped them make significant improvements in profitability and sustainability.

Chase Rinkenberger is a Partner at Golden Horizon Ag, where he helps farmers enhance profitability through a systematic, soil-first approach. Chase begins by evaluating soil health to identify potential limiting factors in a farm’s productivity. From there, he implements targeted products and strategies that support crop performance while building a stronger, more resilient soil profile. Under Chase’s agronomic leadership, Golden Horizon Ag is committed to advancing the agricultural industry by fostering healthy soils, integrating emerging technologies, and applying solutions that deliver long-term returns on investment. Guided by the philosophy of “purpose over product,” Chase and his team focus on creating sustainable systems that drive both profitability and progress in modern agriculture.

Glen Rabenberg is the founder and owner of Soil Works LLC. Born and raised in Bancroft, SD, he graduated from Desmet High School in 1980.  He was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, General Agriculture and Agriculture Economics from South Dakota State University in 1985.  Rather than conforming to the traditional methods of soil science, Glen brings his knowledge of animal science and applies it to the soil.   Many of the same required nutritional ratios shared by humans, animals, and plants are reflected in the soil.   He believes that the soil is a living organism and that the health of the soil should be checked in the same manner that humans and animals are checked.   Glen heavily relies on the electrical conductivity of the soil to tell him the pulse of the soil.   He uses a soil respiration test to tell him how the soil is breathing.  And, he uses a penetrometer as a stress test and soil/plant tissue tests as the blood panel/work. Glen continues to search for new ways to restore the soil and aid in the production of quality food.   He aims to “bring soil back to the way nature intended.”  He still maintains his third generation farm in Bancroft, SD and travels the world solving the world’s soil problems with a little bit of simplicity and the “rite” tools.

My name is Vance McCoy. In 2021 I saw the need for a local seed dealer that could provide quality seed for forage and cover crops at a reasonable price. After farming for nearly 30 years I have learned that keeping the soil covered
can help improve the soil while reducing expense- such as tillage and chemical. The name Triple Creek comes from the three creeks on our farm in southwest Nebraska; the Red Willow, Blackwood, and Stinking Water creeks.

Kylen grew up in agriculture, which has deeply influenced his understanding and appreciation of the industry. His experiences in agriculture have also fueled his passion for addressing water issues in the U.S. He likely has a wealth of knowledge about soil, water management, and the practicalities of farming and growing. Kylen’s interest in water issues suggests he is concerned with sustainable practices and resource management. His expertise might include working on solutions for water conservation and addressing challenges faced by growers. As a John Maxwell certified speaker, coach, and trainer, Kylen focuses on leadership development within the context of agriculture and beyond. His background allows him to offer unique insights into the specific challenges and opportunities in agricultural leadership.

Jeremy serves as the Director of Sales and Dealer Development at Avant Ag Tech, bringing a lifetime of agricultural experience and a deep commitment to advancing soil health. Raised just south of Broken Bow, Nebraska, Jeremy developed his work ethic and understanding of land stewardship through years spent working alongside farmers and ranchers. After high school, he attended Northeast Community College, where he completed the Power Lineman program. Jeremy’s professional journey reflects a passion for addressing root causes rather than surface-level symptoms. His interest in human health in 2012 naturally progressed into animal health by 2017, ultimately leading him to his current focus on soil health. Today, he is dedicated to learning, teaching, and promoting practices that strengthen the long-term sustainability and profitability of agricultural operations. When he’s not immersed in soil health education and dealer development, Jeremy enjoys spending quality time with his two daughters, training horses, roping, and helping with cattle work—activities that keep him grounded in the lifestyle he serves.

Cole recently joined Avant Ag Tech as Operations Manager, bringing a strong background in production agriculture and a commitment to supporting growers with practical, innovative solutions. Raised in central Nebraska, Cole developed a lifelong interest in agriculture through hands-on experience at feedlots and ranches, as well as assisting with harvest and field work.

Today, he applies that experience and deep respect for production agriculture to the alternative ag industry, helping producers implement strategies that enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and long-term success.

During his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife, hunting and competitive shooting