FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Crop Fertility Services Acquires Evolution Farms LLC / (Al Watkins) to Expand Hauling, Spreading & Soil Fertility Capabilities
Cokato, MN – 4/14/25 – Crop Fertility Services (CFS), a leading provider of agricultural solutions, today announced the acquisition of Evolution Farms LLC and Al Watkins. This strategic acquisition significantly enhances CFS’s hauling and spreading capabilities and expands its offerings to include weed control equipment, allowing the company to better serve its growing customer base.
Evolution Farms LLC specializes in the custom hauling and spreading of essential soil amendments, including lime, litter, gypsum, and eggshells. By integrating Evolution Farms’ expertise and resources, CFS will expand its service offerings and streamline its operations, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of crucial materials to farmers. Evolution Farms also produces Living Carbon Compost for Ag Solutions Minnesota, demonstrating its commitment to providing comprehensive soil health solutions.
This acquisition also formalizes the recent integration of Al Watkins into the CFS leadership team. Watkins, who joined CFS in July 2024 as Director of Operations, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, Watkins will oversee all aspects of CFS operations, ensuring a continued focus on exceeding customer expectations.
Scott Niemela, CEO of Crop Fertility Services, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition and Watkins’ promotion. “We are thrilled to welcome Evolution Farms and its expertise to the CFS team,” said Niemela. “This acquisition is a direct response to our customers’ needs for expanded hauling and spreading services. Furthermore, Al’s promotion to COO is a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication. Customers love Al because he’s a get-it-done kind of guy, and his focus will ensure all aspects of CFS are aligned with our commitment to customer satisfaction.”
Al Watkins brings a wealth of agricultural experience to his new role. Growing up around hog farms and helping farmers for many years, Watkins possesses a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of today’s farmers. His hands-on experience and customer-centric approach make him an invaluable asset to the CFS team.
“I am excited to take on this new challenge as COO of Crop Fertility Services,” said Al Watkins. “I look forward to working with the entire CFS team to continue providing our customers with the highest level of service and support.”
About Crop Fertility Services (CFS)
Established in 2012 and based in Cokato, Minnesota, Crop Fertility Services (CFS) provides organic growers and those interested in improving soil health with sustainable fertility solutions. CFS offers a comprehensive range of services, including the supply of poultry manure (both pellets and raw), hauling and spreading services, agronomy consulting, and innovative weed zapping technology. CFS also provides access to a variety of weed control equipment to help farmers manage their fields effectively. The company is committed to helping farmers enhance their soil health and productivity through environmentally responsible practices.
About Evolution Farms LLC / (Al Watkins)
Evolution Farms LLC & Al Watkins Trucking has built a strong reputation in the agricultural community around Hector, MN, initially starting as a reliable lime hauler for neighboring farms. Over time, the company expanded its services to include the hauling and spreading of a variety of soil amendments, including eggshell lime, litter, living carbon and gypsum.
