Garst Seed Company recently announced the promotions of Jim Bueltel (photo right) to agronomy services manager for the western U.S and Rick Henley (photo left) to marketing development manager. Both Bueltel and Henley will relocate to Slater, Iowa, Garst’s brand headquarters.

“We are pleased to recognize the hard work and dedication of both Jim Bueltel and Rick Henley,” says Steve Klein, marketing manager for Garst. “They each have a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for their careers, their company and their customers. We know they will both be a tremendous asset in their new positions.”

As the agronomy services manager for the western U.S., Bueltel will be responsible for managing Garst’s western U.S. agronomy team in addition to managing the company’s advancement process for commercial and experimental varieties.

Bueltel has been a Garst agronomist in western Iowa for nearly 10 years. Prior to joining Garst, Bueltel was a certified crop specialist at Growmark in Sac City, Iowa, for nearly six years.  Bueltel earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural studies from Iowa State University.

In his new role, Henley will help develop marketing programs and brand strategy for the company.

Henley has been an agronomist with Garst Seed Company, working with growers in central and southern Indiana, for 11 years. Prior to joining Garst, Henley was a certified crop specialist at Growmark in Illinois for nearly five years. Henley earned his bachelor’s degree in ag economics from the University of Illinois and his master’s degree in business administration from St. Ambrose University.

Garst Seed Company, with headquarters in Slater, Iowa, provides seed solutions for growers across North America with high yielding corn, soybean, sorghum, alfalfa and sunflower products.

Garst Seed Company is affiliated with Syngenta, a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology.  Syngenta is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2004 were approximately $7.3 billion.  Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries.  Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).