Mike Billman Joins Burlingham Seeds LLC as General Manager

Salem, OR (April 7, 2025) - Burlingham Seeds LLC announced that Mike Billman has joined the company as General Manager effective April 7.

Billman brings almost 30 years of seed industry experience to Burlingham. He previously held management positions for Zajac Performance Seeds, S&S Seeds, Seed Research of Oregon, and most recently, DLF USA.

Based in Oregon, the Burlingham name has been a fixture in the domestic and international seed trade since 1911. 

“The addition of Mike Billman to Burlingham Seeds is a perfect match,” comments Pat McClain, CEO of Burlingham Seeds LLC. “Mike has proven skills and relationships in the seed industry. We are excited for the opportunities he brings to the organization, both on the export and the domestic side. We at Burlingham Seeds are confident Mike will continue the company legacy of quality seed and excellent service in the industry marketplace.”

Burlingham Seeds LLC is also announcing the pending retirement of McClain at the end of the year. 

McClain has been a principal in Burlingham for the past 25 years. McClain began his career in the Oregon seed industry in 1985 when he joined the original E.F. Burlingham and Sons. McClain will continue with the company as a consultant upon his retirement. 

Billman will assume responsibility for the management of all day-to-day operations from McClain upon his retirement.

The Burlingham name has a long history in the seed business that goes back to 1911. The original E.F. Burlingham & Sons company was integral in global wholesale seed trade during the Marshall plan reconstruction after World War II. Burlingham Seeds LLC continues its long history with high performing seed varieties supplied by top university and private breeding programs.