We’re pleased to announce the addition of Austin Thigpen as a Southern Seed Specialist in our Central Texas region. As a Southern Seed Specialist Austin will work with current and potential Golden Acres resellers and growers, helping them choose the right cutting-edge seed technology for their farms. Seed Specialists play an active role in planting, testing and demonstrating the latest, most advanced seed technologies in the Southern corn and sorghum markets. Austin is a Texas A&M Aggie grad with a degree in Agricultural Economics.

Austin was a Summer Sales Intern with us in 2009, and we liked him so much we just had to keep him around. He also has internship experience working for U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert in Washington D.C (Fall 2008). Previously, he was assistant manager in the lumber department at Lowe’s Home Improvement. Born and raised in Lufkin, Texas, Austin also spent six summers working for local-based Angelina Hardwood Sales Company.

We’re all looking forward to having Austin represent Golden Acres in Central Texas.  Says President Lou Buice “As an intern, Austin exhibited an excellent work ethic and the ability to interact well with our customer base. He’s a great fit for Golden Acres and this area.”

Austin enjoys travel and athletics, especially baseball, and is an avid outdoorsman who loves to hunt.  He’s looking forward to working with and getting to know the farmers in Central Texas.

The June 2010 Edition of Golden Acres Priorities Newsletter is now available!

It’s a busy time with plots and field days.  The harvest is just around the corner and before you know it we’ll be kicking off the 2011 season.  In this edition, we’ve got some great information for you including:

• Lou Buice invites you to check out Triple PRO performance at plot tours and field days.
• We preview upcoming herbicide resistant traits for grains sorghum.
• A review of featured VT Triple PRO hybrids which will be available in 2011.
• Introduction to our 2010 Summer Intern, Mason Etheredge from Texas A & M.

Click here to read the June 2010 Priorities Newsletter.

Take a minute to get to know Mason Etheredge, who joined the Golden Acres team as our 2010 Summer Intern on May 14th.

Mason graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agribusiness from Texas A&M University, where he worked with the Traditions Council, Fish Camp and Aggies Selflessly Serving in Shaping Tomorrow project.

According to Golden Acres President Lou Buice, “Mason is a hard worker whose personable nature and passion for agriculture make him a good fit for building and maintaining relationships with our growers .”

As a Golden Acres intern, Mason will assist our Southern Seed Specialists in customizing seed solutions – bringing the power of choice to farmers across Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

Mason enjoys roping, hunting and fishing. Upon completion of his internship with Golden Acres, he plans to pursue a career in Agribusiness.

Bob Davis of Gruver, Texas

In addition to being a Golden Acres reseller, Judge Bob Davis also happens to be a motorcycle enthusiast (owning both an Indian Chief and a Harley Davidson) and the presiding Justice of the Peace for Hansford County.  It might seem an unusual combination for a seed seller, but Bob’s success speaks for itself.

“My sales are up this year,” he says, “probably doubled since last year.”  Bob attributes this increase to two main factors: the performance of Golden Acres brand hybrids and the relationships he maintains with his customers.

Bob also attributes a good part of his success to his faith.  The most important part of his day comes on his twenty minute drive to work.  “I usually try to pray most of that time,” he says.  That shared emphasis on Christian principles is one of the reasons Bob sells exclusively with Golden Acres.  “I also like that it’s been profitable for me,” he laughs, “they’ve made me money.”

Bob has built his seed business through honesty, persistence, and a sincere confidence in the Golden Acres brand.  “I just convince them to give it a try.  If it doesn’t work out, I’ll never bother them again.”  With Golden Acres, the strategy hasn’t let him down.  “The products always perform, so the next year they’ll give me a little more of their acres, and then a little more.  I just keep coming back.”

This tenacity has resulted in the conversion of at least one well-known farmer in his area.  “He was willing to try a few bags four years back.  This year he’s planting 100% Golden Acres.”

 “Bob is a born salesman,” says James Baxter, a Golden Acres Independent Representative who has worked with Bob since the 1990’s.  Bob, however, has a different take on things. “More like a born people person,” he clarifies.  “I’ve always been well-liked, well-received by the people around me.  They know I would do anything to help them out.  I think that’s the secret to my success.”