East Coast Seed began with our founder, Earl Passwaters. From day one, East Coast Seed has been committed to helping farmers become more successful. In the early 2000’s, Earl was one of the leading agriculture seed sales representatives in the Delmarva area. He was not satisfied with how farmers here were supplied with seed based on Midwest conditions. There was little or no consideration for the differences in soil, weather, environment and farming practices. Earl discovered that AgVenture shared his mission to provide seed based on local conditions, so in 2008 he created East Coast Seed and became an AgVenture Regional Seed Company (RSC).
His first move was to develop AgVenture plots. Mark Davis bought seed from Earl and became involved in putting in more plots and gathering data. Earl and Mark traveled to Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, and South Dakota many times between 2008 and 2011, networking and ultimately finding and developing seed that was specific to our area. Earl unexpectedly passed away in 2011, at which point Mark took over ownership. Since Earl had 26 years of experience in the seed industry and was well respected in the Ag world, Mark had big shoes to fill. Mark continues to carry on Earl’s vision and works hard to bring advanced seed technology and individualized plans to East Coast farmers.
His first move was to develop AgVenture plots. Mark Davis bought seed from Earl and became involved in putting in more plots and gathering data. Earl and Mark traveled to Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, and South Dakota many times between 2008 and 2011, networking and ultimately finding and developing seed that was specific to our area. Earl unexpectedly passed away in 2011, at which point Mark took over ownership. Since Earl had 26 years of experience in the seed industry and was well respected in the Ag world, Mark had big shoes to fill. Mark continues to carry on Earl’s vision and works hard to bring advanced seed technology and individualized plans to East Coast farmers.
Mark Davis and East Coast Seed help farmers in a variety of ways. As business people, farmers know they need to constantly find new approaches to increase their earnings and their profits. Sometimes that means changing the way they farm. The first thing we do is work with the grower to discover what they can do differently to produce more bushels. We consider things like farm decision-making, crop rotation and placement, chemical applications and timing, and fertilizer use. We examine farmers’ fields and assist them the following season in choosing the correct AgVenture variety, setting up the planter and checking seed depth and spacing.
East Coast Seed has more than 10 years of research and data behind our seed to prove that it will produce in this area. By working with farmers, discovering their needs and strategizing on how to improve their bottom line, we form a relationship and a great team is created which leads to great advances and success. We help these growers produce more bushels, which is our goal for each grower every year and an AgVenture mantra - “There are always more bushels to produce.”
East Coast Seed has more than 10 years of research and data behind our seed to prove that it will produce in this area. By working with farmers, discovering their needs and strategizing on how to improve their bottom line, we form a relationship and a great team is created which leads to great advances and success. We help these growers produce more bushels, which is our goal for each grower every year and an AgVenture mantra - “There are always more bushels to produce.”
Come visit us at one of the Ag Expo’s we host where farmers get pertinent, useful information that they can incorporate immediately for greater success the next season. Recent Expo topics were dedicated to effective use and non-use of fungicides, soil testing, tissue sampling, scouting crops, drones, deer management, nitrogen application to corn and Palmer amaranth control. “Where Do Hybrids Come From?” and “Farming—It Ain’t What It Used to Be” are two subjects that drew a lot of attention. Agriculture vendors also participate to present the latest technology and services.
East Coast Seed Is Not Your Typical Seed Company
First, East Coast Seed has worked and researched for more than 10 years to provide individual growers with localized seed that can deliver the highest profit potential. We personally select the AgVenture hybrids and varieties that are best suited for conditions in this area-it’s not allocated at a corporate level. We use several years of plot data, local soil and weather data, and testing on selected farms before we sell a variety.
Second is the quality of our seed. Most seed suppliers are satisfied with corn seed germinations of 85%, but our standard is no less than 90% for warm, cold and cold saturated germinations. Most seed suppliers do not place importance on any germination testing except warm germ.
Third, an East Coast Seed representative is available year round, seven days a week for assistance with a wide range of services, from crop planning and pest control to fertilizer application and assistance with planting and equipment. We are here to take care of our farmers-even those who are not customers.
Finally, we are also an authorized Meridian dealer and provide seed tenders and other Meridian equipment and parts, as well as personal instruction or assistance with repairs when needed.
First, East Coast Seed has worked and researched for more than 10 years to provide individual growers with localized seed that can deliver the highest profit potential. We personally select the AgVenture hybrids and varieties that are best suited for conditions in this area-it’s not allocated at a corporate level. We use several years of plot data, local soil and weather data, and testing on selected farms before we sell a variety.
Second is the quality of our seed. Most seed suppliers are satisfied with corn seed germinations of 85%, but our standard is no less than 90% for warm, cold and cold saturated germinations. Most seed suppliers do not place importance on any germination testing except warm germ.
Third, an East Coast Seed representative is available year round, seven days a week for assistance with a wide range of services, from crop planning and pest control to fertilizer application and assistance with planting and equipment. We are here to take care of our farmers-even those who are not customers.
Finally, we are also an authorized Meridian dealer and provide seed tenders and other Meridian equipment and parts, as well as personal instruction or assistance with repairs when needed.
