Much of the selling for seed for 2012 has already been done. We've noted in earlier stories that the seed sales season has moved up, from August to December instead of November through February. Aggressive marketing by several companies has caused the shift. But that doesn't mean there isn't more seed to sell, jockeying for those last customers, and some switching of acres from corn to soybeans or from one hybrid or variety to another within customers that stay with the same company.

It's also the time when companies shore up their strategies, personnel and line-ups for next season. And many kick off customer meetings to show appreciation and make sure customers have the latest information about their products and updated production methods. Here's a brief rundown of activity on the seed company front amongst some companies doing business in Indiana.

Beck's Hybrids- Look for a Beck's winter meeting near you. The company has run a series of meetings for many years. For more information, call 1-800-937-2325. Practical information about their research plot findings are included along with a discussion of hybrids they have available.

Also check out the Beck's Hybrids/ Indiana Prairie Farmer contest now underway. Refer to a Web feature item form this week, or check the December or upcoming January issue of the magazine for details. Guess snow totals and qualify to win free seed. See if you're weather-guessing skills are as good as you claim they are!

Brodbeck's  Seeds- this Wabash-based company has added five employees to support expansion in Indiana and a push in to southwestern Ohio. The company says that growth in sales, despite a challenging year, prompted adding to the staff.

New hires include Amanda Wise, who will cover Marshall and Fulton Counties in Indiana; Brady Bishop, the new man to cover Washington and Orange Counties in southern Indiana; Steve Hall, who will call on customers in Boone and Tippecanoe Counties; Bodie Kitchell, Brodbeck rep for Cass, Clinton and Howard Counties, and Jay Harmount, an ag veteran in Ohio hired to cover the southwestern corner of the buckeye state.

Jim Engleberth, general manager, says the new team members are also good community players in their respective areas. Most have rich backgrounds in 4-H and FFA, he notes, and some serve in groups ranging from crop organizations to local volunteer fire departments. He expects their local contacts will allow them to hit the ground running.

Look for more seed company news in another article on today's local news.