In order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of its research program and to support the organization’s continued growth, The J.C. Robinson Seed Co. announces the creation of a research operations group within the research department. "We conducted an evaluation that found certain activities previously conducted at our research stations fit better under a department-centralized structure," Al Grunst, Research Operations Coordinator said.

"The Research Operations Coordinator is a new position created to support the research station efforts," Hobart Beeghly, Research Director said. "Al was a great fit for this position because of his experience in working with technical information in the seed industry and his experience at The J.C. Robinson Seed Co."

Grunst’s responsibilities include supporting the Research Department through the management of elite hybrid and inbred experiments, interaction with the Foundation Department, management of hybrid advancement, coordination of department protocols, and data collection and applications for Plant Variety Protection and Utility Patents. He’s also responsible for overseeing activities of product evaluation which is managed by Bill Green, research information, and research seed production.

Dave Sparta, GHRIT (Golden Harvest Research Information Technology) manager, joined the Company to fill Grunst’s previous position. Sparta is responsible for managing and supporting corn breeders in data collection, analysis, and retrieval in a multi location corn-breeding network. "Dave is also responsible for identifying and developing new software and hardware solutions as required to meet the research scientists’ needs," Grunst said.

Another new position, Research Seed Production Coordinator, was also created as a part of the Research Operations group. "Chris Reimann has responsibilities for coordinating department wide winter nursery activities and winter topcross isolations, as well as conducting centralized summer topcross isolations," Grunst said. "Chris earned this promotion after doing an excellent job for us as a Research Technician."

The J. C. Robinson Seed Company is one of five member companies comprising Golden Harvest Seeds, Inc., the nations 4^th largest seed brand. Family-owned and family-led since 1888, The J.C. Robinson Seed Company has grown into a network of more than 1,500 employees, farmer-dealers and distributors. The company markets to the western Corn Belt states of Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, the West Coast, plus international sales in Europe and Mexico.