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Horizon Seeds celebrates milestone

August 31, 2016 - Horizon Seeds Canada Inc. celebrated 10 years in business with an open house on August 30, 2016.

Rick and Angela Van Laecke started the company in 2006 when they transitioned from growing tobacco. Horizon Seeds produces, processes and packages all seed at its Courtland location. They primarily produce seed corn but also produce seed soybeans and seed rye. Fifteen local growers are contracted to produce seed. The company started with one employee Steve Gubesch who is Horizon Seeds production manager plus the Van Laeckes.

“Looking back 15 to 20 years, it’s clear that you never know where time will take you," says RickVan Laeke. "I’m sure I speak for Ang as well, as former tobacco farmers I can honestly say that we never dreamt we would be hosting an event like this in our lifetime. Celebrating a tenth anniversary of a Canadian, independent, family owned seed company is a great milestone.”

“I saw a quote not so long ago that said, ‘if you want to go fast, go it alone, if you want to go far, do it together’," Van Laeke adds. "I realized this is very true for Horizon Seeds.”

Rick thanked their growers for their work to grow a good quality seed; their suppliers whose service and products are essential to processing, and their customers for supporting their business. He also thanked the Horizon staff.

The Van Laeckes continue to grow their business, which employs 27 people from Norfolk, Oxford, Elgin, Brant, Middlesex and Waterloo Counties. This includes their son Curtis who is head of research and product advancement.

Sales include both wholesale and retail across Ontario, Manitoba and Wisconsin.

Horizon Seeds is a CFIA-registered seed establishment and an accredited organic handler with a bulk storage facility.

August 31, 2016  By Top Crop Manager


Horizon Seeds Canada Inc. celebrated 10 years in business with an open house on August 30

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