Growing the Seed Business Generation by Generation: Holzwarth Seed
In Freeman, South Dakota, Kevin and Ashley Holzwarth have turned a small family seed dealership started by Kevin's father, Marlin, in the 1980s into a thriving ag business, Holzwarth Seed, LLC. Today, they embody resilience, growth, and a deep commitment to their customers and community.
A Farming Legacy
Kevin Holzwarth's connection to the seed business is deeply rooted in family tradition. His father began planting the legacy brand, Curry Seed, in 1981, eventually becoming a dealer. Kevin, a 5th generation farmer, took over the dealership in 2009, growing it into a thriving Hoegemeyer seed business over the past decade. "My dad had a dealership before me," Kevin recalls. "He just had his own and maybe one other neighbor. I wanted to promote it and see what would happen. It's just grown from there."
They continue to farm with Kevin's father, and today, their farming operation is diverse, encompassing corn, beans, alfalfa, and a cow-calf operation with around 160 cows. The farm keeps the fa
mily busy year-round, but their passion for farming and the seed business remains unwavering despite the challenges.
Commitment to Quality and Integrity
Kevin and Ashley approach their seed dealership with a philosophy of honesty, trustworthiness, and hard work. Kevin explains, “We never try to push a sale just for our checkbook. We only promote something if we use it in our fields and think our customers will benefit."
This commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous approach to testing products. They host the Hoegemeyer master plot on their farm, testing almost all the varieties they sell in their area. At the end of early September, they invite customers to a plot day to review the results. This hands-on demonstration fosters trust and transparency with their customers.
Hands-On Customer Service
Kevin's approach to customer service is personal and hands-on. He knows each of his customers and their specific needs, often going the extra mile to ensure they are well cared for. "Kevin is excellent at juggling his farming with his dealership responsibilities," says Doug Hansen, Hoegemeyer Seeds DSM. "He's always willing to stop what he's doing to help a customer, even if it means putting his planting on hold."
Kevin's dedication to his customers extends to working with farms of all sizes. "He's willing to work with the 12-bag corn or large-bag volume customer," adds Hansen.
Family Involvement and Innovation
Ashley Holzwarth plays a crucial role in the business. She manages the administrative side and marketing when she's not doing fieldwork. Ashley is the creative force behind Holzwarth's social media presence, particularly on its well-maintained Facebook page. She also manages the graphic design for its personalized signage promotional materials and community sponsorships.
The Holzwarths built a new seed shed with a seed treater about six years ago and just finished adding an office/conference room and storage space. This expansion reflects their growth and commitment to providing top-notch service to their customers.
Community and Education
Kevin and Ashley are deeply embedded in their community, often participating in local events and supporting agricultural education. They host a well-attended fall meeting each year and have collaborated with local FFA chapters to promote agricultural education. "We put things into giving back to our community, including our hospital, schools, and kids' sporting activities," Ashley says.
Looking to the Future
Their approach to business expansion involves retaining current customers and acquiring new ones through word-of-mouth and referrals. Ashley notes, "Client retention is bigger than just hitting one quick big sale. If you first tend to the ones that you have, that's where referral and word-of-mouth come into play."
A Bright Future
Kevin and Ashley Holzwarth exemplify the values of hard work, integrity, and community spirit. Their dedication to their customers and passion for farming ensure their seed dealership thrives. As they look to the future, the Holzwarths remain committed to growing their business while supporting the agricultural community they hold dear.