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ENID, OK - Johnston Seed Company celebrated 125 years in business on March 9 with an open house, tours and a ribbon cutting at their headquarters at 319 W. Chestnut in Enid, Oklahoma.
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A great crowd joined in on the ceremonies including a number of high profile officials from across the state. Gov. Mary Fallin, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb and Rep. Frank Lucas all spoke about Johnston Seed and its impact on Enid and all across the state.
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Lt. Gov. Lamb said, "One hundred twenty-five years of anything, I mean anything, is pretty awesome."
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In 1893, Willis B. Johnston began selling seeds, feed and coal to early day Oklahoma Territory settlers. What evolved was Johnston Seed Company, and today, they supply professionals and residential customers with the highest quality, most in demand agricultural seeds and products.
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Brent Kisling, Executive Director of Enid Regional Development Alliance, emceed the event which began with a video tracing the history of Johnston Seed from the beginning through today and explained the different products and services that they offer. Kisling stated, "Johnston Seed Company is one of those companies here in town that everyone knows about but not everybody knows exactly what they do."
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Still family-owned and operated, Johnston Seed Company includes a new 3,000 square foot retail store, larger on-site warehouse space and new cleaning and processing equipment. Company representatives and vendors were on hand during the open house to speak with businesses and individuals.
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Gov. Fallin said, "That says something about a company that can be here before statehood and be able to make it this long, it says something about the family, its legacy, its history, by providing great quality products and services." Gov. Fallin also stated that agriculture has a great impact on Oklahoma including the fact that it generates $8 billion worth of revenue.
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Sen. James Lankford was unable to attend but he provided a video congratulating Johnston Seed on 125 years of service and legacy. He said, "125 years is a big deal," and, "Oklahoma needs you 125 more."
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Rep. Frank Lucas discussed the upcoming Farm Bill and told the audience, "It is great to be here, this is the salt of the earth crowd."
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Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, who grew up in Enid, said, "I didn't know what Johnston Seed Company was, but I knew it was big." He then paused during his speech and told the crowd that Lew Meibergen had entered the tent area. There was a standing ovation as Meibergen took his seat.
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Johnston Seed Company is owned and operated by the Meibergen family. Passed down from Lew to his son Butch and then to his grandson Joey. Joey Meibergen, President of Johnston Seed, spoke on behalf of his family and the employees of the company. He spoke about the employees and how they have transformed the company over the last two years.
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The 125th anniversary celebration included a company rebranding program with a new logo and an improved website. The new retail store was created for local customers needing better products and services without having to shop the big retail chains.
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Johnston Seed Company grows around 35 different plant species including ryegrass, switchgrass, buffalo grass and Bermudagrasses. They have spent years on research and marketing their Bermudagrass breeding program. They are now an internationally recognized leader in seed and Bermuda grass products, research and genetics.
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Johnston Seed is also known for their wildflowers and different mix components, including Maximilian sunflower, purple prairie clover and partridge peas. They work closely with Oklahoma State University in creating new varieties of grasses for ball fields and golf courses.
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Many of their products are available online at their website at JohnstonSeed.com.
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