This month, we had the unique opportunity to spend our class day at Beck’s Hybrids, the largest family-owned retail seed company and the third-largest seed brand in the United States, located right here in Hamilton County.
We heard from many leaders in the agriculture community – including Beck’s Hybrids Bethany Gremel, Director of Culture and Brand Experience, local farmers Neil Johnson and George Kakasuleff, Indiana Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb, AgriNovus President & CEO Christy Wright, as well as Beck’s CEO Sonny, his son Scott, and grandson Jason. A wealth of experience and knowledge came through that day, but two themes stood out to me: farming is about people, and public education about agriculture still has a way to go.
Every Beck’s Hybrids employee spoke about the culture at their company, the steady, consistent growth that has gotten them to where they are today, and, most of all, the people who make it happen. The authentic, genuine relationships built on honesty, faith, and going the extra mile to help a farmer succeed are at the fabric and foundation of the company. This innovative company is truly the tip of the spear for the seed industry, and the research and development happening at Beck’s will have a lasting impact for generations. Agriculture isn’t a luxury item, it is a necessity for survival, and an industry we must continue to invest in.
When we heard from local farmers Neil Johnson and George Kakasuleff, they spoke about the challenges and rewards of owning a family farm. A staggering statistic was that these family farmers, who operate with a lean staff and budget, must work with approximately 30 federal and state agencies to operate their farm. While working to meet the ebbs and flows of farming, they also have to track current events and legislation on the state and federal levels that impact their industry, which can be incredibly challenging because they’re planning their operations 24 months in advance. As we heard from them about the challenges of farming and the need for better public education about the products we all consume as a result of a farmer’s work, and to debunk misinformation, their core value remains: create a safe product and help people.
Indiana Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb also spoke to us. As a generational farmer himself, he talked about how farming in Indiana is all about people. He provided stats to highlight the impact that Indiana Agriculture has far beyond state lines. Agriculture is still a growing industry despite land development taking place in our region and across the state. There is a need to diversify what our state produces and to continue preserving farmland.
Indiana Agriculture by the Numbers:
• Indiana is the 9th-largest farming state but the 30th-largest state in the U.S.
• #1 popcorn and duck producer in the U.S.
• Top producer of mint that is sold to Colgate
• Top 5 in pork, corn, soy, eggs, poultry, and tomatoes
• FFA has 14,000 students participating
We also got to tour Beck’s Hybrids HQ and learn more about the innovation taking place behind the scenes and the operation that works seamlessly to keep up with production needs and better serve the farmers they work with. On the tour, I appreciated hearing from Director of Innovation Brad Fruth about the R&D underway at Beck’s. The reason this company has been so successful is that they are truly investing in their research and development and the needs of the farmer, not chasing trends. The Beck’s business model should be replicated nationwide by companies. Their consistent and thoughtful approach has proven successful.
CEO Sonny Beck wrapped up our day by continuing to drive home the importance of the culture at Beck’s Hybrids, noting that it is the most important thing and can make or break a company. He emphasized the importance of getting the right people in the right jobs and truly investing in your people. The attitude and work ethic of the people who show up every day depend on the organization’s culture being healthy. The company has grown 10-12% consistently since the 1960’s, and I truly believe that, while the product they’re selling is top of the line, the customer service they offer is what has gotten them this far. People matter, relationships matter, and doing right by others will always pay dividends. Thank you, Sonny, for your continued steady leadership of Beck’s Hybrids, your vision, and your contributions to the Hamilton County community.
Jason Beck asked us to consider a question after we left for the day. “What can I do with the information I learned today to make a difference?”
As someone who didn’t grow up on a farm but grew up in rural Indiana, I have always appreciated and respected farmers. Our day at Beck’s Hybrids was even more eye-opening to the challenges and contributions of farmers. It is far beyond most people’s comprehension, but everyone should care about their local farmers. They are truly feeding and supplying the world we live in. Without them, the health of our society would significantly decline.
What I will take with me from this lesson: continue advocating for farmers and continue building meaningful and genuine relationships to help others.