June 15, 2010

Glen Davis, president of Legend Seeds Inc, De Smet, S.D., announces the acquisition of Johnson Seed Company, Dassel, Minn., by Legend Seeds effective August 1, 2010.

"This move allows us to better serve our dealers and customers with more seed options, a larger agronomic support team and faster personal service," says Davis, who started Legend Seeds in 1990 with his wife Janet and other shareholders.

Legend Seeds and Johnson Seeds have both operated with a similar philosophy that understanding the dealers and customers operations and growing conditions is vital to providing top-yielding seed genetics and technology - Davis says the two companies compliment each other.

"By combining our strengths, and joining as one team, the dealers from both companies will benefit. We'll continue to provide a full line-up of the highest yielding, newest technology products, as well as, proven consistent performing hybrids that our customers count on year after year," says Davis, adding that Legend Seeds will now support a network of 600-plus dealers throughout South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and parts of Nebraska.

"Acquiring the Johnson Seed Company allows Legend Seeds to expand our coverage into areas of our region where we have not been, and strengthen our coverage in other parts of the region."

Legend Seeds will manage Johnson Seed Company as a brand with its own genetics and traits and will retain its name and logo. The Johnson staff will all remain in the Legend organization.

"The expanded resources now available to our customers are incredible - increased agronomic support, financing options, as well as an even larger seed and technology line-up," says Spencer Mattson, brand transition manager of Johnson Seed Company.

Gayle and Kathy Mattson co-owned Johnson Seed Company with President Charlie Johnson. Charlie's dad, R.C. Johnson started Johnson Seed Company in 1922. Johnson says joining forces with another family-owned, independent seed company is a positive move for the 88-year-old company.

"The seed industry is extremely competitive today. This move allows us to remain competitive," Johnson says, adding that the two companies place value on building relationships. "Like Legend Seeds, we founded our business on personal relationships with dealers and farmers. I've known Legend Seeds and Glen Davis for years and it's a good sales organization. Working together will be good for companies, our dealers and the farmers we serve."

Website: http://www.legendseeds.net/

Published: June 16, 2010