“Our network of Regional Seed Companies is not only the largest in the nation, but also the very best.
As a seed company, our wide genetics access isn’t effective without the local knowledge—the boots on the ground—of our RSC network people who understand the local growing conditions.
These are the top yield specialists in their areas, and it’s a pleasure to work with them to deliver the genetics their customers need to boost yield.”
—Chuck Schneider, Business Development Manager
Chuck brings business development, leadership and marketing support to the AgVenture Regional Seed Companies in the eastern U.S.
He directs strategic growth initiatives and recruits new seed companies into the AgVenture national network.
Education
• Simpson College, Bachelors in Management/Agricultural Resources
Continuing Education
• ASTA Management Academy
• Dow Chemical Six Sigma Greenbelt
JEFF SHANER
“I often say I’m a placement counselor for soybeans, and I’m not joking.
It’s my responsibility to match the genetics to the specific conditions of our growers’ land.
This keeps me in constant contact with agronomists from several leading seed producers.
We keep our own observation plots, and I travel all over the country visiting different seed-producer plots searching for the best new varieties.
The key goal is to build a custom product lineup for each Regional Seed Company in our network so they can better serve grower needs.”
—Jeff Shaner Soybean Product and Production Manager
Since joining our company in 2001, Jeff has worked to keep our market position well ahead of the technological curve.
With nearly 20 years in the industry—everything from bagging operations to field, plant and operations manager positions—his vast experience keeps customer yields high.
Education
• University of Wisconsin/Platteville, BS in Agronomy
JIM GROEPPER
“Our unique blend of hands-on customer service, technological scope and genetic and trait access makes AgVenture stand out in this industry.
We’re important to agriculture because of our unique ability to help producers pull more profit out of every acre.”
—Jim Groepper Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Jim worked in the industry for more than two decades before joining AgVenture, including serving as an area sales director for Syngenta Seeds.
He excels in coaching and guiding our individual Regional Seed Companies and strengthens our brand promise through education and strategic planning.
Education
• Iowa State University, Bachelors in Agriculture
Continued Education
• Iowa State University
• University of Virginia
• Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
• Purdue University, Center for Food and Agricultural Business
JOHN CASSIDY
“AgVenture is built on the foundation of enabling independent seed companies to compete in their market at the highest level.
By providing them with a large portfolio of leading-edge genetics and technologies, they help their growers realize more profit from every acre.
Our sustained growth exemplifies the professional commitment our people deliver to the grower on every acre—and at every interaction.”
—John Cassidy
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chairman of the Board
John founded this company with partner Mike Davis in 1983 with a business model that endures to this day.
By delivering on the promise of giving farmers more access to the top genetics across several seed-producer brands,
he has made AgVenture one of the leading seed companies in America.
Education
• U.S. Naval Academy
• Indiana State University, Bachelors
• American Seed Trade Association
• Management Academy
MARK JACQUES
“Regional Seed Company owners are not just someone’s employee—they have a vested interest in delivering results.
That’s a distinctive difference. AgVenture excels in the adoption of cutting-edge genetics and technologies.
The local knowledge of our Regional Seed Companies ensures the right choices are made for the exact area where the crops are grown.
We are here to deliver product support to our RSCs.”
—Mark Jacques, Ph.D.
Vice President, Product and Operations
Mark brings 20-plus years’ experience in the seed business to AgVenture and is responsible for managing our comprehensive selection of seed products,
management of all product inventory and interaction between our company and genetics producers.
Education
• Kansas State University, Masters in Agronomy
• Montana State University, Ph.D. in Crop Physiology
• University of Kentucky, Agronomy Department Faculty
BILL HOBEN
“The AgVenture approach to the seed business is innovating and refreshing.
Managing production of more than 100 soybean varieties and 150 corn hybrids nationwide is a dynamic task that we take very seriously.
With AgVenture, every customer benefits through access to uniquely adapted hybrids and varieties custom-fit to their acres.”
—Bill Hoben
Production Manager
Bill brings six years in corn production from DeKalb Genetics Corporation to his position of Production Manager at AgVenture.
He supervises all seed production and works with multiple producers and conditioners throughout the industry.
He also interacts with and supports AgVenture Regional Seed Companies and manages their supply needs.
Education
• Carl Sandburg College, Associate of Science Degree
• Illinois State University, Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness
Compare seed companies and you’ll find our business model both unrivaled and time-tested, just like the proven people who lead our organization. Click on the links below and meet key AgVenture leadership.
