By Jamie Martin
Becks has expanded its seed production network by acquiring two major facilities from Gro Alliance. The agreement includes Gro Alliance’s corn seed production site in Howe, Indiana, and its soybean seed production site in Mt Pulaski, Illinois. The deal was finalized on February 26, marking a strategic shift for both companies.
Gro Alliance will retain field production operations in Howe, Indiana, and Constantine, Michigan. Crops grown in these areas will be dried and processed at the company’s headquarters in Cuba City, Wisconsin.
Additionally, Gro Alliance will continue its seed nursery services at Mt Pulaski and maintain soybean field production in the region. John Endsley will remain as the soybean division director.
Becks also assumes an 80,000-square-foot warehouse lease in Sturgis, Michigan, enhancing its storage and distribution capabilities. “Gro Alliance is widely recognized as one of the country’s elite seed producers,” said Scott Beck, President of Becks. “The facilities and production teams at Howe and Mt Pulaski are both world-class and are perfect fits for the Beck’s network.”
The deal aligns with Gro Alliance’s long-term strategy of reinvestment. The company will focus on four key areas: seed production, seed nursery services in the U.S. and Chile, germplasm out-licensing through Breeder Direct, and agtech incubation.
Since 2019, Gro Alliance has worked to diversify its business model, forming partnerships with ZeaKal, BioLumic, and Seed-X to advance seed genetics and AI technology.
“A constantly evolving industry offers unlimited opportunity for companies that evolve with it,” said Jim Schweigert, President of Gro Alliance. “The most exciting thing is that this is just the beginning.”
The acquisition reinforces Becks' expansion strategy while positioning Gro Alliance for future innovations in agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-studio2013
Categories: National