Thorp Seed Co. of Clinton, IL and Garwood Seed Co. of Stonington, IL, Golden Harvest member companies, announces the promotion of Dr. Gary Beland to Director of Agronomic Research for Thorp Seed Co. of Clinton, IL and Garwood Seed Co. of Stonington, IL.  Beland has been with Golden Harvest/Thorp Seed Co. as Quality Assurance Coordinator since 2001.

As a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, he has been working in the seed industry for over 25 years.  Prior to joining Golden Harvest/Thorp Seed Co., Beland worked for the USDA and in the seed industry as a Research Entomologist and Soybean Production Manager.   

As the Director of Agronomic Research, Beland will provide leadership and coordination of the Agronomy Up Front® research program for Thorp Seed Co. and Garwood Seed Co.   According to Dr. Kevin Barber, Director of Administration, “It is Gary’s considerable experience in the seed industry as a research entomologist, extensive knowledge of crop production practices, and strong scientific background that makes Gary qualified for the position.”

Agronomy Up Front® is the seed industry’s unique, proactive agronomic research program that provides farmers with information on herbicide interactions, fertility and population response, and tolerance to disease and pest pressures. This information is compiled from multi-year, multi-location testing.

Gary is looking forward to continuing to enhance the Agronomy Up Front research program and continuing to providing “cutting edge” information to support Golden Harvest product performance.  As Director of Agronomic Research, he will coordinate research studies planted on 90 acres at Clinton.

The Golden Harvest brand of hybrid corn, soybeans, sorghum and alfalfa is produced and marketed by five family-owned and managed seed companies serving farmers throughout the U.S. Corn Belt, Europe, South America and Canada. These five companies share research and marketing resources nationally, while continuing to offer the nearby service that is the heart of the seed industry.