Eisenbeisz Farms, Inc., of Bowdle, S.D., was recently named the 2010 Premier Seed Grower by the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association.

Art, Eloise, Derek, and Eileen Eisenbeisz have grown and sold bulk seed for 25 years and certified seed for the last 15 years. They now have contract growers that produce certified seed.

From left, South Dakota Crop Improvement executive director Neal Foster and SDCIA president Lee Brockmueller present the 2010 Premier Seed Grower Award to Derek, Eileen, Eloise, and Art Eisenbeisz. Also pictured are Cassandra and Dewayne Sowards, daughter and son-in-law of Derek and Eileen.

Eisenbeisz Farms, Inc. is a father-and-son partnership between Art and Derek. Derek's wife, Eileen, also is an integral part to the operation, serving as bookkeeper for the seed business. Art's wife, Eloise, prepares meals for the crew during their busy spring season. Derek and Eileen have four daughters, Christina, Cassandra, Chelley, and Caren, who also help with the production. Cassandra has come home to help with the daily duties in the business.

 "We started in this work when we bought an old cleaner that didn't run for $100," Art says. "We started cleaning seed for a few neighbors, so to come here and to get this recognition, it shows the hard work was worth it."

Source: SDCIA