Helena’s Unique Take on the Seed Business

Helena’s seed business sets itself apart amongst prominent agriculture industry trends. Seed sales go beyond just seed selection and management throughout the growing season. Helena excels at focusing on the importance of cultivating connections with customers to make informed and emotionally sound decisions. This involves prioritizing data analysis and customizing product recommendations instead of promoting one single line of seed. Josh Byford, Director of Seed for Helena Agri-Enterprises, has worked within the company for 15 years and has firsthand experience in the critical investment that customers make regarding their seed purchase.

“Helena has positioned itself uniquely within the market,” says Byford.

Helena’s approach capitalizes on supporting global research and development with manufacturers. This strategy opens doors to new resources, new technology, and leading germplasm to support customer needs. It allows Helena representatives to leverage a variety of data to consult growers on a year-round basis.

“Another key component of Helena’s seed strategy is utilizing local test plots to drive better decision making,” says Byford.

Called Future Plots, these local test plots showcase the next wave of germplasm coming to the market and allows Helena representatives and customers to see how seed performs in their own geographies. This is especially important in areas like Helena’s Eastern Business Unit, where crop diversity is huge. Chad Young, Seed Manager of the Eastern Business Unit, says the learning experience helps local growers and staff get a better handle on seed for various crops, including peanuts, tobacco, sunflowers, oats, barley and numerous vegetables.

“Helena utilizes these plots for our customers and our sales reps to access and familiarize ourselves with new hybrids,” says Young.

In addition to agronomic learning, Future Plots can incorporate Helena’s own products and precision technology to showcase a comprehensive, whole farm plan for upcoming seasons. Overall, Future Plots enable Helena’s sales team to grow their seed knowledge and provide the best solutions to customers out of all of the options on the market.

“We are the only major retailer to not have our own seed brand,” says Cora Chandler, Seed Manager of the Western Business Unit. “This leaves no question to our suppliers that we are supporting their portfolios and to our growers that we are making the best, unbiased decisions for their farm.”

While corn is the largest crop sold across the Western Business Unit, there are also vast acres of canola, alfalfa, cotton, soybeans, and a good mix of grain and silage. In Chandler’s territory, positioning people with the right mix of knowledge throughout the region, maintaining access to various crops, and sourcing the right products is crucial to meeting market demands.

“I believe our biggest threat is losing the ability to bring value to our customers, and I would add that we do a really good job of continuing to explore ways to make sure that doesn’t happen,” says Chandler.

Today, challenges extend far beyond the farm gate. Global factors continue to impact farm economies at home, and uncertainties around chemistries and weed management make it vital for growers to work with a trusted seed advisor.

“Making the right choices and picking the right inputs for our customer’s acres becomes even more critical,” says Byford.

Whether it’s plot performance, custom brand diagnostics, prime planting dates, and overall growing cycle consultations, Helena representatives work throughout the season to advise and guide customers on what products are best for their acres. Helena’s full portfolio of services and products offers growers the opportunity to take their operation to the next level and maximize yield potential. Find your nearest location to learn more about Helena’s seed business in your area.