Alexander, Iowa, USA
October 2, 2009

Latham Hi-Tech Seeds announces Nick Benson of Clermont, Iowa, as regional sales manager for northeast Iowa. Benson is responsible for recruiting Latham Hi-Tech Seeds dealers and helping them serve their farmer-customers, as well as selling directly to farmers. Benson’s territory covers the following Iowa counties: Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette and Winneshiek. In addition, Benson serves on the company’s product development team.

Benson said he was attracted to Latham’s independent position and philosophy of partnering with farmers to help create customer success.

“I could see very clearly that Latham Hi-Tech Seeds was pulling ahead as a leader in the independent seed business,” said Benson. “Since I am a strong believer in the value that an independent company can bring to the grower, I was excited to join a leader in that area. I really appreciate how Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is approaching the market; they see it exactly the way that I do.”

Benson comes to Latham Hi-Tech after serving as sales manager for Federal Hybrids where he was involved many aspects of the business including product selection, sales programming, marketing, and acting as Federal’s main agronomist.

As an agronomist, Benson is excited to bring customers the yield-boosting benefits of Latham’s innovative Seed2Soil® program, a scientific approach to matching a hybrid with the best yield potential to each of his customer’s fields.

“In the quest to squeeze every bushel out of every acre, we need to be uncommonly thorough on properly managing our hybrids,” said Benson. “If we intend to reach 300 bushels per acre as a total farm average in 20 short years, it’s going to take a specific plan. It all starts with making sure that the proper germplasm gets placed in a position that will enable it to reach its potential. But that is just the start. Equally important is scientifically-driven management after planting and through harvest. That’s where Seed2Soil can bring exponential value to customers.”

John Latham, president of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds in Alexander, Iowa, said Benson is a great fit for his company. “You only have to talk to Nick for about two minutes before you realize how passionate he is about using the power and agility of an independent company to help rural America thrive,” said Latham. “His background in research and sales will make him a tremendous asset to our customers as they meet the continuing challenge of feeding and fueling the world with their crops.”

Benson has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture marketing and agronomy from Northwest Missouri State University. He also has experience in corn plant breeding and seed research with Pioneer and Garst. He and his wife, Meg, have two children: Noah and Maribelle. In his free time, Benson loves to fish.

Nick can be reached directly at (319) 415-2312 or at nickb@lathamseeds.com.

Website: http://www.lathamseeds.com

Published: October 2, 2009