Dansville, Michigan, USA
February 13, 2015

D.F. Seeds Inc. announced today that it has finalized a management and ownership transition that positions the company for long-term sustainability and growth.

The Dansville, Mich.-based supplier of award-winning soybean and wheat varieties announced that its operations executive, Chris Varner, has been appointed president of the company as part of a management buyout transaction completed this week. Terms were not disclosed. A graduate and former employee of Michigan State University, Varner brings more than 25 years of agribusiness experience to her expanded role as president and owner of D.F. Seeds, where she has served as operations manager for the past five years.

John Diehl, who founded the seed company 22 years ago, will remain with D.F. Seeds as its Research Director with lead responsibility for research and development. The Vietnam Era veteran and engineering graduate of Purdue University started D.F. Seeds in 1992 after working on his family farm for three decades.

“This change positions D.F. Seeds for a healthy, long-term future,” Varner said. “It provides the team with the operational structure and financial resources to grow and will create more opportunities for our employees, dealers, vendors and the Michigan farmers who use our seeds to make their living.”

As part of its growth plan, the company intends to invest additional resources into improved training and customer service for its existing dealer network, according to Varner. Additionally, D.F. Seeds plans to expand its distribution network and market presence in areas of the state where its products are under-represented. The company also plans to enhance its research on soybean and wheat genetics, she added.

“John’s new role in R&D will allow him to focus on one of his true passions: the genetics and science that make D.F. Seeds unique in Michigan,” Varner said.

Throughout its history, D.F. Seeds has emphasized innovative testing and science to select soybean and wheat varieties that are best-suited to grow in Michigan’s unique micro-climate. As a result, D.F. Seeds products generate better yields for Michigan farmers and crops that are more resistant to disease and pests. For more information about the company’s products or to inquire about sales representation opportunities, visit http://www.dfseeds.com or call 517-623-6161.

D.F. Seeds Inc. was represented on the management buyout transaction by the law firm of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, which provided legal counsel and DWH, LLC, which provided counsel on the transaction structure and valuation services.