Faces of Farming

As farmers wrap up harvest, many are turning their attention to fall fertilization in preparation for the next growing season. For custom applicators such as Dallas Weaver of MFA Agri Services in King City, Mo., this is one of the busiest and most critical times of year. Weaver covers more than 25,000 acres annually to make sure crops get the nutrients they need when they need them.

And he does it well. In fact, Weaver was named one of two MFA Applicators of the Year in 2024, an honor that recognizes superior customer service, top-notch professionalism and quality of application. 

“Dallas is willing to go the extra mile to make sure the job is done correctly and works extra hours to keep up with all fertilizer orders,” said the location’s assistant manager, Elaine Snuffer, who nominated Weaver for the award. “He understands the new John Deere spreader technology and is always sure to keep his spreader clean inside and out.” 

Weaver joined MFA in 2021, finding satisfaction in a job that combines his passion for farming and equipment.

“I had been working with my uncle, who farms about 3,000 acres around here, and then I heard about this opening at MFA,” Weaver said. “I liked the environment, and I knew I was going to be doing something that I love.” 

Here’s more from Weaver on what drives him, the job’s challenges and the recognition that came as a surprise.

What do you enjoy most about being an applicator? 
It’s the satisfaction of a job well done. It makes me proud to know I’ve helped increase the farmer’s productivity and improve the ground. They can see the results, not only in their yield monitors but also just by looking at the field. My passion has always been agriculture, and I’d dreamed of being a farmer since I was a kid. This job fills that gap. I get to help farmers succeed while running equipment I love. It’s like a dream come true.

How did it feel to be named an Applicator of the Year? 
I was pleasantly surprised. I had no idea. Before they said my name, they were telling the story about this young man who helped his uncle on the farm, and I thought, “Could that be me?” I appreciated the nomination and the award. I really do try to put in the time and effort to get everything on for the farmer and take care of my equipment. I think that’s what might have done it.

This job often requires long hours. How do you handle that?
During top-dress or anhydrous season, I might start at 6:30 in the morning and not finish until midnight. If rain is coming and there are thousands of acres to cover, you just buckle down and get it done. I don’t want to stop until the job is finished. It goes back to the satisfaction of knowing I’m taking care of the farmer and the business.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face?
Equipment maintenance. I was raised to believe if you take care of your equipment, it will take care of you, so I try to keep everything clean and maintained. For example, every other field, I’ll get out and check the fans to make sure there’s no buildup of fertilizer because that’s a problem. But you’ll have breakdowns, (anhydrous) knives wear out, hoses get plugged, tires go flat. It’s just like being a farmer. You have to fix your own stuff—be a mechanic and a technician—and that can be challenging.

How has technology impacted your applicator’s role? 
The machine I’m running is almost bulletproof. The variable-
rate technology usually runs flawlessly, and our FieldAlytics software tells me exactly where to go and what rates to run. It definitely makes the job easier. And we’re spreading 80 feet wide on average, so I can cover a lot of acres more efficiently. That’s important to the farmers who count on us to get the application done.

What advice would you give to new applicators? 
First, find a mentor to help you learn the ins and outs. I’ve got my coworker, Vernon Smith, to thank for teaching me how to run the spreader. Then I’d say get your feet wet. Just jump in and take the reins. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Plus, it’s important to learn the fertilizers and chemicals—understand why we’re putting them on and what they do for the crop. Then combine that knowledge with running the machine. Put passion into it, and treat the job like you love it. If you do that, you’ll excel. 

View more articles from this October/November 2025 Today's Farmer magazine.