“Growing each variety is very time-consuming, very exacting work.”

Kuecker Seed Farm, Inc. in Webster, South Dakota, is one of the top seed growers in the state. Third-generation farmer Richard Kuecker says, “My Dad began producing seed on a small scale in the 1950’s, as well as managing dairy cows, beef cattle and hogs. Over the course of time, the livestock was phased out and now we’re strictly into producing and processing registered and certified seed.”

In the late 1960’s, a seed processing plant was built on the farm to process the seed the farm produced and for custom cleaning.

“We’re an approved seed processor for the state of South Dakota.” Richard explains. “This means we’re licensed and inspected, meeting the high standards set by the state.”

The entire Kuecker farm is devoted to seed production. “We are the number one grower of seed in the state, allowing us access to the newest varieties available,” says Richard. “This past year we had 14 different varieties of soybeans, seven varieties of wheat, three barley varieties, plus flax and millet.” A South Dakota State University oil seeds breeder also conducted test plots for flax and canola during the past year.

The initial phase begins through the purchase of foundation seed from South Dakota State University. The first year’s production from foundation seed is called registered seed. The following year, the registered seed is planted to produce certified seed.

The Kuecker family: Emily, Richard, Landon, Amy, Alyssa and Steve.

“Marketing both the processed registered and certified seeds includes several options. Seeds are retailed directly to other seed producers and farmers or wholesaled to Midwest seed houses and brokers for domestic use or export. We also increase parent seed sent from South America to be distributed the following year in the United States. Our seed is distributed throughout the upper Midwest as well as the entire country. “Growing each variety is very timeconsuming, very exacting work,” he continues. Proper crop rotation is essential for seed production. It is mandatory that all machinery, such as seeding equipment, trucks, augers, combines, grain carts as well as processing equipment be thoroughly clean, to prevent cross contamination of varieties or other crops.

After processing in bulk or bags, the seed is labeled and tracked according to a specific lot number. “We deal with many varieties and a lot of bushels of these varieties, and it all needs to be tracked until we sell it as seed, plant it ourselves, or market it,” Richard explains.

---

Planning is important

“With our operation, careful planning is essential,” says Richard. “We start small grains in early April. Soybeans are then seeded late April to mid-May, followed by flax and millet. Harvesting begins with barley in late July, spring wheat, flax and millet, finishing with soybeans in October.”

When it’s time to plant the seed, the right kind of equipment is critical, too. That’s when Richard’s New Holland 84 Series 4WD tractors really get a workout.

Richard says his two long-time employees, David Pies and Herb Gelhaus, along with son Steven, “operate the tractors more than I do. We use them for tillage, preparation of the seedbed, and also for seeding,” he says. “We like to keep current with large machinery to cover our high number of acres in a timely manner, so we have a 50-foot field cultivator, a 35-foot tandem disc, a 44-foot air seeder and a 42-foot no-till air seeder, as well as chisel plows and harrows.”

Richard needs a powerful, reliable tractor that’s designed to handle all these big implements efficiently and productively, and that’s just what he appreciates about his New Holland 84 Series 4WD tractors. “They’ve got good hydraulics, good power and smooth steering,” he says. “When you spend long days in the tractor, cab design is important, too. I like the visibility and comfort.”

On his farm, which varies from sandier to heavier soil, Richard is concerned about compaction. “We have the weight package on the tractors to enable us to be heavier or lighter when needed,” he says.

---

Future changes

Richard sees changes coming in the seed industry. “Dramatic changes have occurred in the last few years with the development of Roundup ready crops,” he says. “In the future we’ll see crops with pharmaceutical benefits for humans and animals. The cost of the seed and the investment per acre will be considerably higher. Identity preserved standards to ensure quality will be even more important.” When Richard finds time away from his year-round operation, he likes to be active in issues currently facing farmers. He presently serves as a commissioner on the South Dakota Wheat Commission. This commission consists of five members appointed by the state governor. Responsibilities include funding for research, education, and market development for wheat. He has represented South Dakota on the U.S. Wheat Board, which includes 18 states, giving him the opportunity to meet people from other states. “You receive a full appreciation of the broad spectrum of issues, regarding domestic use and international trade of wheat,” he explains.

Richard Kuecker says his son, Steve, (shown with his Dad) and his two long-time employees, David Pies and Herb Gelhuas, operate the New Holland 4WD tractors “more than I do. We use them for tillage, preparation of the seedbed and also for seeding.”

Richard also serves on his local rural electrical cooperative board and Farm Credit Service advisory board. However, he quickly reflects his appreciation to his family and employees for their dedication and ability to keep the operation running smoothly while he attends board functions. Richard and wife, Amy, have four children: Steven has just graduated from high school, Emily is a sophomore, Alyssa is in seventh grade and Landon is in fourth grade.

“Through our value-added seed operation we’ve been fortunate to meet and work with many fine people,” Richard says. “We truly pride ourselves with a quality product for our customers. To achieve this goal, we need the best equipment, dedicated employees and family support.”