Before Shane Odegaard could legally drive a truck on his family's South Dakota farm, a relationship with Stine® Seed Company was planted. Four decades later, Shane — now 55 years old — and his family still proudly use Stine seed products in their farming operation.
Shane is part of Odegaard Family Farms in Lake Preston, which is made up of himself, Justin and Jenna Odegaard, Randy and Glenda Odegaard, Heath and Michelle Kooima, and Shaun and Kristi Odegaard. Ashley Pederson is also a key employee and part of their family farm.
“My grandfather, Marvin Odegaard, was a seed dealer and started planting soybeans on our farm in 1980,” Shane explains. “He told his friend, Glen Nath DeGaulle, that soybeans were moving into the area, and he wanted to be at the forefront of selling seed to farmers. Glen recommended he talk to Harry Stine.”
And so began a legacy of loyalty that continues to stand the test of time and prosper. Marvin planted and sold Stine soybeans until he retired. Today, the Odegaard family works with Matt Hofer, an independent sales representative for Stine.
It’s Stine’s preeminent role as a leading breeder of soybeans in the U.S. that Shane says has kept his family enthusiastic and committed to the brand across decades and generations.
“With a lot of the seed companies, their genetics started at Stine, or they are still using Stine products,” explains Shane, whose family farms 1,800 acres of corn and soybeans — they are also heavily involved in raising pigs and have a cow-calf operation. “We have always felt that Stine is on the leading edge of genetics. The strong performance of Stine’s products and our relationship with company representatives are why they consistently earn our business."
In the world of agriculture, loyalty is a testament to the trust and performance that withstands the test of time.
“It is an honor for Stine Seed Company to be a part of the Odegaard family's farming legacy for over four decades," says Myron Stine, company president. "Marvin Odegaard's initial connection with Stine laid the foundation for a lasting relationship that has flourished through generations.
"At Stine, we take immense pride in our role as a leading breeder of soybeans in the U.S., consistently striving to be at the forefront of genetic advancements," continues Stine. "Our commitment to providing superior genetics is evident in the Odegaard family's unwavering enthusiasm and loyalty towards our brand. We understand the value of delivering exceptional products that exceed expectations and contribute to the success of farmers like the Odegaards."
The Odegaards find tremendous value in having a Stine seed representative who also uses the genetics on their own farm. In doing so, Hofer can share firsthand experience, insights and perspectives, which help Shane make strategic business decisions on his acres. The seed that is delivered matches the unique needs of the region. Before soybeans even go in the ground at the Odegaard farm, they can be treated with fungicides and other products to ensure healthy plants and better emergence.
“Matt is incredible to work with and provides exceptional service,” Shane says. “I care about the bottom line of our operation, but service and relationships also hold equal weight. With Stine, I get a trifecta of outstanding yield, performance and service.”
Relationships Drive Loyalty
When he's not in the field, if there is one word to describe Shane, it is: involved. He is a past president of the South Dakota Pork Producers Council (SDPPC), received the 2020 Pork All-American Awards from the SDPPC, and is a member of the South Dakota Soybean Association, South Dakota Corn Growers, South Dakota and Kingsbury Cattlemen’s Club, and the Lake Preston Development Board.
Passionate about sharing the story of modern agriculture, he frequently attends policy and legislative events in Washington, D.C., as well as at the local and state levels. It’s also common to find Shane volunteering with other agriculture groups, his local church and 4-H while cooking and serving pork products at community events.
It’s that involvement that helps Shane and the Odegaard family build relationships, which are the foundation of their farming operation. It’s also an essential part of what first attracted his grandfather to Stine and continues today.
“Ever since my grandfather started working with Stine, we have had tremendous relationships with people everywhere, from the offices in Adel, Iowa, to our regional area,” Shane explains. “I still consider Tony Lenz a really good friend; he was our agronomist at one time and helped us with many seed genetic choices. There are so many others, too.
“When it comes to seed genetics, it’s all about relationships and performance. When you find a great company to work with — as we have found with Stine — you stay with them.”
In an ever-changing agricultural landscape, Stine remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, forging lasting relationships, and providing exceptional seed products and services that empower farmers to thrive.
"We firmly believe that building relationships, nurturing trust and consistently delivering on our promises are the pillars that create enduring partnerships with our valued customers,” says Stine. “We are grateful to the Odegaard family and all our loyal growers for their continued support in Stine."