Just four months ago the Courier shared a story of a new ag-related business that had been established in September 2023 to serve the farmers and ranchers of the Seven Valleys region. On Monday, Feb. 26, members of the community, representatives of the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, and local well-wishers joined Lodi Seed Services owners TR Anderson and Abe Hinman as the ribbon was cut on their new location.

Channel Seed district sales manager Joe Hofer gave opening remarks to the crowd that had gathered to celebrate with the new owners. “We started talking about establishing an agency in this area about a year ago,” said Hofer. “It is a good fit for us, for the ranchers and farmers, and it’s good for the community.”

Hinman remarked that he was surprised at how many people turned out for the ribbon-cutting event. “The ongoing support says a lot about our community. Regardless of who it is, this community always steps up and shows its support. That’s the wonderful thing about Callaway,” said Hinman.

Callaway Chamber President Brooke Moore also shared her congratulations on behalf of the Chamber.

“I would like all of us to come back in a year or two and see how this thing has grown,” Hofer added.

The building located at 109 Grand in Callaway will provide a warehouse facility for Lodi to store a variety of seed. Though they don’t sell feed, they do sell seed that becomes feed, such as sudangrass, sorghum, and corn silage. Along with selling seed Lodi is also a certified dealer for FieldView, a data app, and is looking into other services they may be able to offer to local producers.

Hinman and Anderson have big plans for transforming the building from an auto repair shop to a facility that functions as a warehouse, office, and conference meeting space.

Both men have deep roots in Callaway and are committed to serving their friends and neighbors by “helping them do a better job at their business”. The company’s motto, “Building Trust Through Service”, aligns with that philosophy.