Backman Seeds --   working with people in agriculture    by Olivia Richards,  Herman Review    Backman Seeds, Inc., is in its second generation of management. Timothy and his wife, Marilyn, manage and operate the family business located about two miles west of Herman on Highway 27. Tim organizes the seed production and is a farmer, while Marilyn handles the retail side.    Tim's father, LeRoy, and his wife, Jeanne, established the seed business in 1977. LeRoy grew certified seed in the early 1950s as a means of adding value to his crops. His dream was to build a seed plant that could condition seed and provide a service to his neighbors. That dream lives on in the business through the efforts of Tim and Marilyn.    Backman Seeds contracts wheat and soybean production with area seed producers who grow the crop. These crops are inspected for quality and for genetic purity. The farmer harvests the crop and it's delivered to Backman Seeds for cleaning on one of their several cleaners. The seed is tested for germination and seed quality. The seed is packaged in bulk, 50 lb. paper bags, or totes for commercial, as well as private use, allowing the seed to come full circle. "We get it in and we get it out," said Marilyn.    Marilyn said the soybean seed market has probably changed the most since farmers began to plant Roundup Ready® soybeans. Farmers can no longer plant their own bin run soybeans, if it was grown from Roundup Ready® seed. The farmer needs to purchase new seed. Backman Seeds, however, will clean conventional soybeans for those who do not choose Roundup Ready® seed.    Since farmers have become more safety and health conscious when moving stored grain, Backman Seeds became a distributor for Handlair Conveying Systems and VacBoss. The pneumatic grain handling systems add speed and efficiency to moving grain, eliminating shoveling. The equipment is available for demonstation. Other products sold and serviced are Batco belt conveyors, and Feterl augers. Backman also installs grain floors, natural grain drying systems, and grain bins.    Backman Seeds is affiliated with Dairyland Seed Company of West Bend, Wisconsin, providing delivery for them. A new, larger warehouse facility was recently constructed at the Backman Seeds farmsite to house seed. Bagged seed from Dairyland is sorted and redistributed in the tri-state area. About 50 semi-trucks have been seen going in and out in a given week. In addition to Dairyland Seed®, Backman Seeds sells DEKALB®, Asgrow®, Garst®, NKBrand Seed®, and NorthStar Genetics®.    A test plot day is held in August near the home of Tim and Marilyn. An appreciation supper is also served to their customers. Plot day gives the Backmans the opportunity to educate the grower about the corn and soybean varieties offered, and also is a time to say thank you and have a little fun.    Employees at Backman Seeds include Linden Churchill, Nic Magnuson, Katy Blume, Scott Neuman, Chris Fickes, and Randy Powell.    The prospects of Backman Seeds to continue is good since Tim and Marilyn have four sons, Michael 11, Patrick 8, James 6, and Andrew 4.    Tim and Marilyn received their college education at North Dakota State University, where they met. Tim has an agronomy degree, while Marilyn has an ag. econ./communications degree. Professionally, Marilyn is a Certified Crop Agronomist.    If you are in need of seed supplies, or a specialty product, contact Backman Seeds, Inc., at 320-677-2231. They are ready, and happy to serve you.    Back to top of page     Home   Location   Agriculture   Business   Education   Recreation   Churches   City of Herman   Development  History   Keep in Touch   Got Photos?   Herman, USA   Area Links