Lakeland Seed Company of Morris, Minnesota has signed an exclusive territory agreement with AgVenture, Inc. of Kentland, Indiana. AgVenture Lakeland will market AgVenture® brand corn and soybeans to its customers across eleven West Central Minnesota counties.

Company president, Michael Schneider returned to his home area to manage AgVenture Lakeland after ten years in the seed business with Cargill and NK in both Minnesota and in South Dakota. "I am very pleased to join AgVenture.” He added, “While AgVenture is a new name to many producers around this area, it holds a solid position as a top ten seed company in the country. That’s significant among some 240 companies nationwide.” Schneider added, “Working with AgVenture allows me have local decision power as an independent business owner but have the volume and purchasing power the AgVenture brand brings. That and their impressive set of credentials and expertise in the seed industry appeal to me.”

AgVenture CEO, John Cassidy said, “AgVenture has continued to see exceptional growth across the country. The addition of AgVenture Lakeland is an indication of the momentum we plan to continue.”  Cassidy stated, “AgVenture’s competitive access to global seed genetics and technology resources uniquely equip independent seed business owners to specifically serve local producers with unmatched seed and accessible service.”

Jim Groepper, VP Sales and Marketing for AgVenture, Inc. added, “Michael knows the farms, the farmers and the specific agronomics of West Central Minnesota. In addition, he fully understands what it takes to bring the best performance and profitability to every field. We’re pleased to have Mike and AgVenture Lakeland join the team.”

Raised on a corn, soybean and hog farm near Morris, Minnesota, Schneider said, “My dad was in the seed business so I’ve been around it my whole life. I look forward to working with producers in my home area.”

Schneider graduated from Chokio-Alberta High School in Minnesota and South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with high honors. He was also recognized for outstanding achievement in his previous employment. Schneider and his wife, Shelly reside in the Morris area with their two children, ages two and two months.