One of the two companies merging, McKillip Seeds, Wabash, dates back to 1934. The other, Adler Seeds, Lafayette, was started in 1937. They have merged as one company and will now be known as AgVenture McKillip Seeds. Recently, Adler Seeds had been operating as AgVenture Adler Seeds.

McKillip Seeds was started by Alvin McKillip, grandfather of the current generation that manages the company. Adler Seeds was founded by the late Howard Adler. He received the Indiana Prairie Farmer Master Farmer award in 1983.

AgVenture, Inc. is the nation's largest network of independently owned regional seed companies. The company was founded in 1983, and is based in Kentland.

Look for the new name: AgVenture McKillip Seeds

John Adler, son of the founder, says this step will help mean positive growth and sustained longevity for the companies involved. This new arrangement, he says, will allow them to continue to work with customers that they have served for many years, with a broader range of services and products.

It will allow them to bring the latest seed genetics and technology combinations specifically adapted to customer fields to each customer they serve, Adler continues. He believes Agventure McKillip Seeds is set for positive growth.

Mike McKillip of McKillip Seeds says that with third and fourth generation family members working in the business founded by his grandfather, their company knows what it takes to operate a family seed business. He sees the merger with Adler Seeds as a positive step as well.

Mitch Snyder will be marketing manager for AgVentiure McKillip Seeds. He points to enhanced products and service with both these companies working together, rather than proceeding forward on their own. The goal is to provide even broader access to top performing genetics in both corn and soybeans, he notes. The company will also be able to offer more flexibility to customers on treatment options on their seed that they order. The sales teams will be combined, and will be dedicated to providing year-long support to farmers, he concludes.