"..lead with humility, curiosity, honesty, and consistency. Those qualities go a long way in any field.."
For Åsa Bobel, leadership in agriculture wasn’t part of the original plan, but it has become a meaningful intersection of family, purpose, and long-term impact.
In 2019, Åsa and her husband made the decision to leave their corporate engineering careers and relocate to Milan to become involved in Growers Mineral Corp., a family business founded by her husband’s grandfather in 1955. Today, as President, Åsa helps lead a company with more than 70 years of history, focused on producing Growers Mineral Solutions (GMS), a non-toxic fertilizer and animal nutritional supplement used by farmers across the country.
What drew Åsa into the business and continues to motivate her today, is the opportunity to be part of something rooted in both sustainability and service. Through her leadership, she is helping guide the company into its next chapter, including the development of a new facility that will strengthen its ability to support farmers for generations to come.
At the same time, being part of a family business has allowed Åsa to balance leadership with raising her two daughters, while contributing to a company deeply connected to the Milan community.
We asked Åsa to share more about her journey into agriculture, the lessons she’s learned as a business leader, and her advice for women entering the field.
What led you to your current role and career?
I did not originally plan to build my career in the agriculture industry. My husband’s grandfather, Joe Henry, founded Growers Mineral Corp. in 1955, and in 2019 my husband and I made the decision to leave our corporate engineering careers and relocate to Milan to become involved in the family business. It was absolutely the right choice for our family. Being part of a family business has given us the flexibility to raise our two daughters while also allowing us to be part of something with deep roots and purpose.
What motivates me to continue in agriculture is not so much the industry itself, but the company we are privileged to be part of. Growers Mineral Corp. manufactures, transports, and sells one product: Growers Mineral Solutions (GMS), a non-toxic fertilizer and animal nutritional supplement. Creating a positive environmental impact and teaching our daughters the importance of sustainability are two of my greatest passions, and I am grateful to be part of a business whose mission aligns so closely with my personal values.
What is one challenge you’ve faced as a business leader and what did you learn from that experience?
For the first time in the company’s history, we are in the process of building a new facility and relocating the business just five miles north of our current location. It has been an exciting and rewarding experience, but it has also brought a unique set of challenges, especially in balancing a major long-term project with the demands of everyday business operations. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is the importance of staying steady and keeping the bigger picture in focus. For us, that bigger picture is continuing to serve our customers and building a strong business foundation that will be capable of supporting farmers for generations to come.
What makes operating and growing a business in Erie County unique or rewarding?
One of the most rewarding parts of operating a business in Erie County, and in Milan specifically, is the sense of history and community that surrounds us. Growers Mineral has also been part of the community for over 70 years, and I love that the company is woven into the history of the town. There is something very special about operating a business in a place where both your family and your company have such deep roots.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in your industry or entrepreneurship?
From my experience, agriculture is still a male-dominated industry, but I have found that one of the most effective ways to earn respect is simply to listen. Farmers carry an enormous amount of responsibility, and at times may feel isolated in the challenges they face. Taking the time to listen not only builds trust and strong relationships, but it also gives you a deeper understanding of the people you are serving and the industry as a whole. My advice to young women would be to lead with humility, curiosity, honesty, and consistency. Those qualities go a long way in any field, but especially in agriculture.
Growers Mineral Corp. is a Milan-based, family-owned company producing Growers Mineral Solutions (GMS), a non-toxic fertilizer and animal nutritional supplement. With over 70 years of history, the company is focused on sustainability and supporting farmers for generations to come. Learn more at growersmineral.com.
