Beck's seed corn harvest Oct. 9 near Mount Pleasant, IA. (Chris Lusvardi)
Beck's seed corn harvest Oct. 9 near Mount Pleasant, IA. (Chris Lusvardi)

By Chris Lusvardi

(December 20, 2024) - As another year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work that has been done in 2024 in the seed industry.

In particular, we have seen companies taking steps to ensure their work continues well into the future with new and expanded production plants.

  • In our First Quarter issue, we featured Lord's Seed, which has evolved from a small family operation in northeast Indiana to become one of the top independent seed producers in the country. 
  • Then in the Second Quarter, we saw how BrettYoung has reinvested in automated turf seed processing with the completion of NorthCore, a $20 million project that is the largest single investment in the company’s history, The 60,000-sq.-ft. facility is equipped with the latest technologies for cleaning, blending, and packaging turf seed.
  • The Third Quarter took us to the Willamette Valley to see three companies with a long history of involvement in seed production. DLF made an investment in a new state-of-the-art seed enhancement and production plant near Albany, OR to support future business and customer growth. Mountain View Seeds in Salem, OR is focused on research and innovation in the grass seed market, The company completed an 88,000 sq. ft. expansion in 2022 to add more blending, packaging, and storage capability. Smith Seed Services, which has been serving the seed industry for over 60 years, has grown while developing products and services that meet their customers’ and the industry’s needs. The company has expanded its facility in Halsey, OR while adding a new facility in Lamar, MO, which first began operations in 2019.
  • In the Fourth Quarter issue, we wrapped up a season-long behind-the-scenes look at Beck's seed corn production process in Mount Pleasant, IA as part of the Ride Between the Rows series.

All of these stories are examples of the work being done that has resulted in the seed industry remaining strong.

Although the outlook that was discussed during the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Field Crop Seed Convention in December in Orlando, FL remains uncertain, the work of the seed industry remains more important than ever. One of the more reassuring takeaways I have found is that everything happens in cycles, so things can change if we don't like how it's going now. 

As we move into 2025, I am looking forward to sharing more stories and examples of how the seed industry has taken lessons from the past to prepare for the future.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of you.