Michaud’s Milestone: 50 Years of People, Purpose and Progress
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
What does it take to support a region’s agricultural and industrial needs for half a century? At Tessenderlo Kerley’s Michaud terminal in southeastern Idaho, the answer is simple: dedication to customers and the community, and a mindset that generates constant improvement and innovation.
For 50 years, this strategically located terminal has been more than a logistics hub — it’s been a pillar of progress, delivering Crop Nutrition, Crop Protection and industrial products to customers across the region and beyond.
“From Michaud, you can go all four directions – north, south, east and west – with the major railways and interstates nearby,” said Kelly Trahant, Crop Nutrition Sales Specialist who spent 12 years as the plant manager in Michaud. “We’re able to have our Crop Nutrition, Crop Protection and industrial products in a location for quick and easy transport, and get those products to customers right when they need them.”
The Michaud facility stores and transports Crop Nutrition products Thio-Sul®, KTS®, K-Row 23® and N-Sure®, along with Crop Protection products Sectagon®-42 and Sectagon®-K54, helping grow and protect wheat and potatoes for growers in Idaho and beyond. It also stores ekoSURE™, which helps separate copper and molybdenum – both key elements used in electric vehicles, computers, TVs, water faucets, motor oil, drill bits and so many other applications used in our everyday lives.
“It’s an important terminal for us because we move products out of there year-round, and our team there does a fantastic job,” said Western Area Manager Steve Sailors. “We focus on Crop Nutrition from the spring until about mid-August, and then we kick into Sectagon season – all while shipping ekoSURE throughout the year.”
To mark the 50-year milestone, Tessenderlo Kerley’s leadership joined the Michaud team to celebrate the milestone.
“Celebrating 50 years of excellence, the Michaud terminal stands as a cornerstone of Tessenderlo Kerley’s commitment to its customers within the mining industry through the reliable distribution of sulfur-based solutions that help feed and fuel the world,” said moleko Sales Manager Gerardo Garcia.
“The easy access to the interstate makes it an ideal location for our customers, and the team at Michaud has always been knowledgeable, flexible and customer-focused,” added Crop Protection Senior Vice President Jonathan Akins added.
But the Michaud team’s impact goes beyond business. The team is deeply rooted in the community — supporting events like the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival, partnering with local police for its Shop With a Cop holiday event, and working with neighbor Wada Farms to maintain each other’s land and roads.
Over the decades, the Michaud team has worked hard to evolve the terminal as needs change and expand. Improvements have included storage expansion and technology upgrades, while strengthening its commitment to safety, customer service and timely deliveries.
“They’re a tight-knit, self-sufficient group and they know what needs to be done,” said current Michaud Plant Manager Rick Hieb. “Their dedication to safety, customer service and the community has always been something we’re proud of.”
With a strong foundation, a forward-looking mindset, and a team that leads with heart, the Michaud terminal is just getting started. Its first 50 years have been defined by purpose and progress — and the next 50 promise even greater impact, innovation and community connection.
“I’m really proud of the team,” Trahant said. “They work hard to move our products, they’ve always focused on safety and the community we serve, and they continue to show how we’re customer-centric.”
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About Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc.
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. is a leading producer of liquid fertilizers and an established leader in the production and marketing of crop nutrition and crop protection products used in agriculture. Part of the Tessenderlo Group, founded in 1919, and The Kerley Chemical Company, founded in 1947, Tessenderlo Kerley is dedicated to producing high-quality fertilizers that promote environmental sustainability and profitability for growers.
In addition to agriculture, Tessenderlo Kerley specializes in specialty products for the mining, water treatment, and process chemical industries. They have 14 manufacturing plants across the USA and 1 in Canada.
Director of Marketing and Communications, Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc.
Stacy Dill
T: +1.602.346.1942