Kentland, Indiana, USA
February 19, 2010

At a time when many Michigan agribusinesses are struggling, AgVenture of Michigan is celebrating its first anniversary. General Manager Jeff Oesterreicher, Chesaning, Michigan stated, “One year ago, we made a commitment to Michigan growers. We’re celebrating, because after one year, we’ve seen marked growth, and most importantly, our customers have seen the profitability delivered in our AgVenture® brand seed.”

While newly established, AgVenture of Michigan’s principals are anything but new to the seed industry. Mitch Ray, marketing and product development manager has been deeply engaged in the seed business for 34 years; twenty years in Michigan. Gary Grigg brought 18 years seed experience to AgVenture of Michigan. Oesterreicher said, “I had worked in the seed business and in national and area leadership roles for more than three decades. Bill Kushmaul, High Yield Specialist/agronomist brought 30 years experience to the group. Together, we proudly joined AgVenture, Inc., a nationally recognized organization that is consistently ranked in the top ten seed companies in the nation. Their unique business model allowed us to have access to the latest seed genetics and technologies on the market today with the freedom to do business as an independent seed company.”

AgVenture, Inc. Business Development Manager Chuck Schneider said, “AgVenture of Michigan is truly offering Michigan growers better access to top-quality seed products that are selected and adapted to Michigan’s distinctive growing environments. The experience of this team of seed professionals has proven its value to their customers.” He added, “Customers who planted AgVenture products last year reported higher yields, lower cost-per-bushel and higher profitability through engaging the expertise of this team of seed professionals and the AgVenture year-round, dedicated grower support system.”

As the nation’s largest network of independently owned and operated regional seed companies, AgVenture has continued its solid growth since opening doors in 1983. They now reach growers across 26 states. AgVenture CEO John Cassidy said, “Recently regional seed companies with up to 70 years of history have chosen to join our business model including companies such as McKillip Seed Co. and Gray’s Seed, Inc. in Indiana, Spangler Seed Tech in Wisconsin and Frontier Hybrids in Texas and the Central Plains. We are pleased to have AgVenture of Michigan’s experienced leadership team introducing AgVenture’s seed expertise to growers across the state of Michigan.”

Oesterreicher said, “For us, our customers are the priority. Their profitability comes first. AgVenture allows that to happen on every acre. We look forward to continuing our efforts to get more profitability power on every acre through our AgVenture seed.”

AgVenture, Inc. is the nation’s largest network of independently owned regional seed companies. Based in Kentland, Indiana, AgVenture provides this growing network of independently owned and managed seed business owners with seed products meeting exacting standards for quality, together with leading-edge genetics and technology. Since 1983, this unique marketing approach has allowed each individual company to match the hybrids it sells to the specific needs of the geographical area it serves. Combined with professional seed representation at a local level, AgVenture strives to help every grower realize more profit from every field.

Website: http://www.agventure.com

Published: February 19, 2010