Rick Scranton

Session: Early Season Scouting

Rick Scranton was raised on a grain and livestock farm in west-central Illinois near Quincy, where his lifelong journey in agriculture began. From an early age, Rick embraced hands-on learning opportunities that shaped his deep understanding of the land and livestock. At just 9 years old, he was performing minor surgeries on farm animals. By 13, he had purchased a LaMotte soil testing lab and took full responsibility for soil testing and fertilizer recommendations. At 14, he managed all the farm’s spraying operations, and by 15, he was formulating and balancing feed rations for the livestock.

At 16, Rick began building his own clientele from his father’s seed customers, marking the beginning of his consulting business in 1979. Over the years, his career took him through a variety of roles with leading agricultural companies including DuPont, American Cyanamid, Zeneca, DeKalb Genetics, Monsanto, and Pioneer. Each step along the way added valuable experience and deepened his expertise.

In 2010, Rick left the corporate world to revive and expand his independent consulting business—Grizzly Ridge, LLC. What started as a small operation has grown into a thriving enterprise that now serves over 250,000 acres annually, with a sizable waiting list and 99.5% of new business generated through referrals. Rick also co-owns Grizzly Ridge Bees & Berries with his daughter Samantha, blending his agricultural knowledge with a love for family and nature.

Rick’s consulting work spans a wide range of crops including corn, soybeans, milo, wheat, barley, forages, cover crops, pastures, produce, and greenhouse operations. Despite his success, his greatest goal remains the same: to pay it forward—sharing his knowledge and experience while mentoring individuals of all ages in the agricultural community.

His formal education includes graduation from Seymour High School, an A.A.S. in Agribusiness Management from John Wood Community College (’82), and a B.S. in Agricultural Science from Western Illinois University (’97). Rick has also held his Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) credential for over 20 years.

Rick has been richly blessed with four children and eleven grandchildren—who often remind him who’s in charge these days. He continues to be active in his church, committed to his spiritual growth, and involved in civic responsibilities throughout his community.

When not working, Rick finds solace and reflection in the outdoors. Whether hunting, trapping, fishing, or shooting at the range, he embraces the natural world. His favorite quiet time is tending to his 40 beehives, where he finds peace, purpose, and space for deep thought.