You played 2 and not 1, correct? I can't recall how similar 2 is to 1, location-wise. Because the Ag Center is a giant thorn in 1, for sure.
2 is a PITA; I never got deeply into it.
I think you might want to check out YouTube to get some pointers on party creation. For example, in 1, a lot of folks say melee combat is overpowered and will do you a great deal of good in that game. In 2, again, I can't recall, but there has to be tutorials out there to help you build a decent party. That's most of the battle, there, having a good mix of skills.
Often in 1, I'd get a good ways through the game and then get stuck because I don't have the right skill. I wouldn't put it past 2 to pull this, too.