Russ Kugler was inducted into the 2024 Southwestern Fertilizer Hall of Fame at the Omni Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., in July. Present to accept the award were company Co-Presidents John Kugler and Mike Kugler.
Kugler had decades of experience in agriculture. His first fertilizer venture was in anhydrous ammonia sales with Diamond Shamrock. He led the development of the first T reactor in Nebraska for manufacturing 10-34-0 phosphate with research from Frank Achorn and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Kugler also pioneered the production of higher polyphosphate fertilizers and a full line of clear liquid “KQ Grades” fertilizers.
Kugler was involved in the acquisition of multiple regional fertilizer companies over the years, and also created a propane distribution service, and opened a tire and accessory shop and a chain of K-Store convenience stores.
“It was an honor that that our father, Russ Kugler, was inducted into the 2024 Southwestern Fertilizer Hall of fame the same year we are celebrating Kugler Company’s 100th Anniversary,” John Kugler said. “With our fourth generation integrated into the company, we are looking for many more years of leadership and product innovations within the industries we serve.”