Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch presented this year’s AgriVision Award to the Jerry Seger Family of Dubois County. The presentation took place Thursday at the Indiana State Fair.
Now in its 12th year, the award recognizes members of Indiana’s agricultural community for demonstrating vision, innovation, and leadership in their field.
The Lt. Governor says it was an honor to present the Seger family with the AgriVision Award.
She says their vision has shaped the foundation of this great industry, and not just statewide, but nationally and globally. She added that we would not be where we are today without their leadership.
Jerry Seger started the family farm in the 1950s, buying out his father’s feed mill in southwestern Indiana. His vision was to create a feed business for chickens and turkeys, which later evolved into owning those flocks, as well as the eggs they produced. Eventually, his operation expanded as he began marketing the chickens, turkeys, and eggs he owned.
With eight sons, Jerry wanted to build a family business. Over the next 60 years, the Jerry Seger family expanded into two parts: Wabash Valley Produce Inc. and Farbest Foods Inc.
Wabash Valley Produce Inc. processes 7 million eggs a day, which are sent to three different facilities to be converted into egg whites or egg yolks.
With locations in Huntingburg and Vincennes, Farbest Foods Inc. raises, feeds and processes approximately 60,000 turkeys per day, which are sold mainly in the U.S., but also around the world. Combined, these businesses provide jobs for 2,000 employees.
After Jerry passed away in 2003, his sons carried on the family business and his traditions. Today, the Seger family is known for their leadership in environmental stewardship, farm safety, animal welfare and innovation in the poultry sector. They are also active members of their communities and support Indiana farmers by sourcing their grain locally.
Indiana State Department of Agriculture director Bruce Kettler says Indiana’s agricultural strength comes from the values, ingenuity and perseverance of Hoosiers. He says these recipients have dedicated their lives to moving the industry forward and supporting their communities and says it was a privilege to honor their legacy.
For more information about the AgriVision Award, please visit www.isda.in.gov.
