Kilkenny seed grower receives award

Richard “Dick” Stangler, of Kilkenny, has spent his entire life working with seed. His first job was to clip the metal MCIA seal on seed bags with a pliers. His grandfather, Elmer, started the family in the certified seed business; his father, Jim, followed.

Stangler was recognized this month by the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association (MCIA). Stangler received the Premier Seed Grower Award, that has been presented annually since 1928 and recognizes MCIA members for their dedication to the production and distribution of quality seed, as well as their involvement in MCIA and other organizations.

Stangler continues his family’s tradition of growing, conditioning, and selling seed. From 100-pound seed sacks, to forklifts, to tote boxes, and now bulk seed, he has seen many changes over the years.

With passion for mechanics, planning, and building, he has regularly made improvements to his family’s seed conditioning facility. It is still a family business as son, Nick and daughter, Becky are part of the operation. They produce 1,400 acres of soybeans, oats, wheat, and corn, in addition to 800 acres of contract seed production.

Much of the farming is done in partnership with Dick’s brother, Steve.

According to Roger Wippler of the MCIA, Stangler participates in the Seed Certification, Approved Conditioning Facility and the Noxious Weed Seed–free Forage & Mulch programs. He also served as secretary of the local....

To see more on this story pick up the January 27, 2022 print edition of the LifeEnterprise.