b'MEET THE2025 INSIDEROF THE YEAR Thought leadership, Summit-style.By Madeleine Baerg, Seed World Group Executive VP of OperationsWALK INTO SUMMITSeed Coatings today and youllAs CEO David Henze puts it: trust is earned, not given.see a company that carries two truths at once. On oneThis trustwith growers, with dealers, with long-term hand, its a business rooted in dirt: in the soil, in farmingcollaboratorscreated Summits early momentum. But families, in apprenticeships earned on tractors and seed- heritage alone doesnt guarantee a future. cleaning floors. On the other hand, its a company run with professional discipline: structured operations, strategicProfessional Management Meetsinvestment, modern systems and a clear commitment toSeed-Industry Soulcontributing to the industry conversation. When Henze stepped into leadership three years ago, Its a rare mix. And its a big part of the reason SummitSummit was poised for its next chapter. The foundation Seed Coatings has emerged not only as a premier seedwas strong: deep agricultural roots, loyal customers, a enhancement company but also as the Seed World U.S.respected reputation in forages and alfalfa. But the com-2025 Insider of the Yearrecognized for having the highestpany needed an injection of structure, modernization and total readership across the entire Insiders program this year,systems that could carry it forward.as well as the single most-read Insiders article of the year. Henze recognized that professionalization doesnt Summit got there by knowing who they are, investing inreplace identity: it protects it. who they want to become andcriticallyshowing up asInnovation has to be realistic, he explains. We under-leaders in the industry. stand the farm, we understand the seed industry, but were also going to the future.From the Dirt to the Bag: A Seedsmans Company Under Henzes leadership, Summit has invested heav-When Summits leaders talk about their work, they dontily in modernization, bringing structure, discipline and begin with product lines. They start with people and place. forward-looking planning to every part of the operation. Vice President of Operations John Hoadley grew up inThe company has upgraded equipment, refreshed facili-Idaho agriculture and his connection to the industry is multi- ties, improved safety and workflow and embraced a light generational. He often describes his professional back- and bright, clean and green operational philosophy that ground as being from the dirt to the bag: a career thatreflects both pride in the work and a commitment to long-has spanned farming, equipment, processing, agronomyterm competitiveness.and plant operations. For him, cleaning seed is an art notIf you stand still for very long, youll get left behind something you just go push a button and pull a lever. and if we dont move forward, we will no longer exist in the But Hoadley isnt the only farm kid shaping the com- capacity to compete, Henze notes.panys character. Summits team includes people who wereA major part of Summits evolution has been empower-raised in fields, on tractors, in seed plants and in the rhythmsing employees. of rural communities. They understand agriculture not as anYou have to involve your staff; give them the ability to abstract supply chain but as a lived experiencesomethingoperate within certain parameters and let them have the theyve worked in, sweated in and built relationships in forownership and accountability, Hoadley says.decades. That grounding informs how they make decisions,When operational rigor meets personal ownership, how they talk to customers and how they show up for thepeople stop working for the company and start working industry. with it.6/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2026'