Garst Seed Company was a stop on the FFA Partnership Tour recently. This is where FFA students visit with executives of companies around the country. Pictured are (l to r): Garst Communications Manager Lori Thomas, Iowa FFA President Matt Dolch, National FFA Secretary Jessie Geib, National FFA Eastern Region Vice President Ryan Peterson and Garst Head of Marketing Steve Klein.

The students met with Garst officials at the Slater, Iowa, headquarters to gain an overview of Garst and the seed industry. “We were pleased to share the outlook and current challenges facing the industry and how Garst is meeting those challenges,” said David Witherspoon, head of Garst. “It is always a meaningful experience to offer advice and mentor young people who are in the process of planning their careers in agriculture.”

Garst’s Head of Marketing Steve Klein and Communications Manager Lori Thomas spoke about how the company analyzes and forecasts where the seed market is headed each year so it can be prepared with the right products. Klein mentioned Garst’s recent renewed commitment to the biofuels industry by offering seed products that are engineered specifically for ethanol and biodiesel production.