ALEXANDER – Latham Hi-Tech Hybrids Inc., an independently owned hybrid seed corn company in Sheffield, announced last week the purchase of all commercial soybean seed assets of Latham Seed Co. The purchase includes production and research facilities in Alexander, as well as Latham Seed sales operations. Headquartered in Alexander, the new company will do business as Latham Hi-Tech Seeds.

“Many people ask why we’re staying independent in this era of greater corporate concentration across the seed industry,” said John Latham, president of Latham Hi-Tech Hybrids, who assumes the same position with Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “The answer is simple: farmers need a strong, independent, family owned seed business in this era of consolidation.

“We are passionate about helping farmers feed and fuel the world. This can best be achieved through the many high-tech seed options that we can provide as an independent seed company.

Latham stated that the new entity will celebrate the company’s strong reputation while looking toward the future. “Our customers will soon begin to see more incentives, more services and greater value enhancements within our seed business,” Latham said. “We’re committed to getting even closer to our customers and guiding them through the maze of technologies and traits that make farming an exciting and demanding business.”

Latham Hi-Tech Seeds stockholders include company president John Latham; his wife and vice president Shannon Latham; and brother and chief financial officer Chris Latham. Bill Latham, former Latham Seed Co. president, will continue as Chief Technology Officer. Don Latham, who had been a principal in Latham Seed Co., will focus on the family’s farming operation and a food soybean export firm called Latham Farms LLC.