Jun 1, 2023

Seed, chemical firms partner to expand seed tech

An ag chemical company and a seed treatment company are partnering to  expand market access for seed-applied technologies.

Precision Laboratories provides specialized chemistries for the agricultural industry while Direct Enterprises (DEI), distributes value-added products for seed producers and conditioners.

Under a supply and distribution agreement, the Westfield, Indiana-based DEI will be the exclusive distributor of Kenosha, Wisconsin-based Precision Laboratories’ proprietary seed enhancement and seed treatment line of products in states east of the Rocky Mountains.

“We are excited to have DEI’s professional sales team working to ensure more customers have access to our technology and unique product set,” Terry Culp, Precision Laboratories’ president, said in a news release. “The timing is ideal, as our new facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has the increased industrial capacity necessary to meet growing market demand.”

Precision Laboratories’ proprietary seed enhancement and seed treatment technologies include water management chemistries, nano-particle nutrient products, seed coating polymers, and seed colorants, many of which are formulated in combinations for ease of customer use.

The collaboration allows faster and more efficient market penetration of Precision Laboratories’ seed product portfolio via DEI’s distribution network and established track record for delivering next-generation innovations to growers and channel partners, according to the release.

DEI’s reputation within the seed industry stems from 27 years responding to grower demands with agronomic solutions that can compete against market-leading brands in both performance and economic value, according to the release.

Dennis Tauchen, DEI’s chief operating officer and co-owner, said in the release that the new distribution agreement is a natural progression for both organizations. “DEI and Precision Laboratories have had a long-standing relationship for many years,” he said in the release. “We’re excited to build upon the relationship which is an important next step for DEI as we expand our seed treatment portfolio with more unique and innovative product offerings.”

Precision Laboratories’ product line is an addition to the DEI seed treatment portfolio, Bill Haubner, DEI’s president and co-owner, said in the release.

In 2023, DEI plans to launch several new seed treatment products including Precision Laboratories’ Zanocella, a new nano-particle zinc seed treatment in a ready-to-use formulation with improved handling and stability over conventional zinc seed treatments, according to the release.

“Our partnership with Precision Laboratories opens new opportunities for expanding our commercial activities while delivering greater value with unique solutions you won’t find anywhere else,” Haubner said in the release. “It’s an exciting time for us as we broaden our scope of quality products and innovative technologies which is vital to strengthening customer relationships and delivering on our promise to always strive in exceeding expectations.”

Precision Laboratories is a leading provider of specialized chemistries applied to plants, seeds, soil and water to maximize resource and biological performance potential while stewarding the environment. It services markets including specialty crops, row crops and lawn and landscape.

DEI provides custom-blended seed treatments and seed treatment equipment to the agricultural industry.