ARTHUR, ND | October 1, 2025 – The Arthur Companies (“Arthur”) today announced it has completed the purchase of all the operating assets of AgriMAX of Fisher & Fertile, Minnesota, and Right Way Ag Aerial Spraying of Casselton, North Dakota. Financial terms were not disclosed.
AgriMAX brings a retail agronomy network that serves roughly four-hundred grower accounts and includes seed-conditioning capacity of over half-a-million bushels plus two retail centers focused on seed, crop-protection products and application services. Right Way Ag adds two AT-502 Air Tractor aircraft and an experienced flight team based out of Casselton, ND. The combined platform will operate as an extension of The Arthur Companies, with all locations retaining their local teams.
“For 119 years we’ve grown by putting farmers first,” said James Burgum, Chief Executive Officer of The Arthur Companies. “Dave Garrett, Matt Hovdenes, and their teams share the same ‘grower-first’ mindset. Together we can invest in more technology, service offerings and local crews so growers across the northern Red River Valley have a partner they can rely on to hustle for their success every single day.”
“Our decision to team up with Arthur was rooted in its culture. We did not want a big corporation or a big co-op takeover. Arthur is a regional, family-run business which has shown through generations that they share our values – they care about their customers and their team,” said Tom Rongen, an AgriMAX co-founder and retiring CEO. Speaking to what growers can expect going forward, Rongen added, “Dave Garrett, a 25-year veteran of AgriMAX, will lead the team going forward and our growers can count on the same team they know and trust.”
“Arthur Companies represents an uncompromising customer-first mindset where decisions are made locally, not in some distant corporate headquarters,” said Tom Conati, an owner of AgriMAX, “We are excited for our team to be a part of Arthur so we can maintain a strong competitive market for inputs in our region.”
Matt Hovdenes, founder of Right Way Ag and incoming Chief Pilot of Arthur Aviation, noted: “Linking our aircraft and safety culture with Arthur’s agronomy network lets us respond faster when weather windows are tight. Our customers are going to feel right at home with Arthur because they do business the right way.”
What growers can expect
Same faces, more resources. Nearly every current AgriMax and Right Way Ag team member has been offered a role. Customers will keep their existing agronomist or pilot relationship, now backed by Arthur’s platform of people and services.
Local decisions, family values. As a fourth-generation, family-owned company, Arthur remains a humble, dependable and pioneering leader in the industry—the same brand promise customers across North Dakota and Idaho know today.
About AgriMax
Founded in 1998, AgriMAX is a full-service agronomy, seed cleaning, and aerial application business based in Fisher and Fertile, Minnesota. Built on a legacy of trusted service and deep agronomic expertise, AgriMAX has grown through strong leadership and strategic partnerships—including a 2009 merger with Ross Seed Company. The company serves hundreds of growers and nearly a quarter-million acres across the Red River Valley with high-quality seed, crop protection products, custom application, and seed conditioning.
About Right Way Aerial Spraying
Founded in 2019 by Matt Hovdenes, Right Way Ag is a Casselton, North Dakota-based aerial application business serving growers across the Red River Valley. The company operates a fleet of Air Tractor aircraft and is known for its precision, professionalism, and commitment to safety. With deep roots in the ag aviation community, Right Way Ag combines cutting-edge technology with decades of in-field experience to support efficient, timely crop protection for area farmers.
About The Arthur Companies
The Arthur Companies is a family-owned agricultural enterprise with operations spanning grain, agronomy, seed, trading, aerial application, and research. Founded in 1906 in Arthur, North Dakota, the company serves growers across North Dakota, Idaho, and west central Minnesota. With a grower-first philosophy, deep local roots, and a commitment to innovation, Arthur Companies continues to invest in people, partnerships, and platforms that help producers thrive.
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