D.F. Seeds Inc., a soybean and wheat seed company based in Dansville, Michigan, has completed a management buyout transaction this week with Chris Varner being appointed company president. In a company news release, the company says this transition strategically positions D.F. Seeds Inc. for long-term sustainability and growth.
John Diehl, who founded D.F. Seeds 22 years ago, will remain with the company as its research director with lead responsibility for research and development. The Vietnam veteran and engineering graduate of Purdue University started D.F. Seeds after working on his family farm for three decades.
For the past five years, Varner has worked for D.F. Seeds as operations manager. She is a graduate and former employee of Michigan State University and brings more than 25 years of agribusiness experience to her new role as president and owner of D.F. Seeds.
“[This change] provides the team with the operational structure and financial resources to grow and will create more opportunities for our employees, dealers, vendors and the Michigan farmers who use our seeds to make their living,” Varner says.
As part of its growth plan, the company will invest additional resources into improved training and customer service for its existing dealer network. Additionally, D.F. Seeds plans to expand its distribution network and market presence in areas of the state where its products are under-represented, as well as enhance its research on soybean and wheat genetics.
For more information about D.F. Seeds, visit the company’s website.
