Two pairs of pliers and a coil of hay wire fashioned in the hands of a Minnesota county agent in 1936 helped solve an urgent need of the federal government`s new land measuring program under the Agricultural Adjustment Administration. The resulting wire model of the land measuring wheel created by E.S. Gandrud progressed to a rod measuring wheel approved by AAA for acreage measurement. It enabled one person to accurately accomplish what had previously taken two.

"If you can develop needed equipment like that, Gandy," said his next county committee in Pipestone, where he soon located, "You should devote your time to developing new ideas to aid the farmers."

Borrowing $100 from a local bank, Gandy financed the initial production of the measuring wheel by a St. Paul manufacturing firm and founded the E.S. Gandrud Company, later renamed Gandy Company.

The fledgling firm soon faced a new engineering task: How to uniformly apply sodium chlorate in the safer granular form than the volatile spray then being used to control western Minnesota`s leading weed pest, "Creeping Jenny," or field bindweed. Gandy developed a metering device for the task, leading to the development of Gandy spreaders for phosphate, and later for balanced applications of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash.

Troublesome pest infestations coupled with the availability of more granular pesticides brought more challenges to the company which soon became known to the industry as "THE GRANULAR APPLICATOR PEOPLE." New projects included placement of soil insecticides in the row at planting, application of chemical directly into the whorl of growing corn plants to fight corn borer, and the broadcasting of granular herbicides up to 60 and more feet wide. These new challenges brought growth and service, with Gandy equipment now aiding farmers in all agricultural states and many foreign countries.

From the 30`s to the new century the agricultural scene has changed dramatically in implements used, tillage practices and marketing, and Gandy Company looks ahead at even newer metering devices, ground speed compensation, and greater versatility in materials and rates being applied. Yet from the vantage point of over 75 years in business, we realize our essential task is to make our customers` work easier and safer; and while technologically advancing, keeping our design simple and our products accurate and efficient.

Today, Gandy Company, located in Owatonna, Minnesota, continues to be family owned and operated. We’re a trusted manufacturer and supplier of agricultural equipment and professional turf care products. Gandy markets and services these products globally.

For over 80 years, farmers, ranchers, nurseries, universities, research firms and OEM`s have turned to Gandy for agricultural delivery systems to precisely apply granular chemicals, fertilizers, seeds, inoculants and preservatives in an environmentally responsible manner.

As a leader in the design and manufacture of professional turf maintenance products, Gandy is a trusted supplier of drop spreaders, lawn rollers, turf brushes, aerators, dethatchers, overseeders and much more to support golf course maintenance, professional grounds maintenance, facility managers, rental stores and OEM`s just to name a few.

Gandy Company`s custom manufacturing division provides products and services to customers in a variety of markets. Our metal fabrication, machining, welding, powder coat painting and turn-key assembly capabilities give our customers a competitive edge. We partner with companies ranging from large corporations to independent start-ups.

Since 1936, Gandy Company continues to focus on quality, customer service and integrity.

Gandy Company Downloads

Gandy - Model P45TALC12 - 45 Lb., Capacity Talc Applicator with 12-Volt Motor - Brochure