About us
Pond Seed Company has changed dramatically since the beginning, but our dedication to the local agricultural community has not wavered. We’ve continued to bring world class genetics “to your door, from next door” since 1927.
In 2022, Fred and Marcia Pond sold Pond Seed Company to the Burtch Family of Rockford, Ohio. The Burtch Family has owned and operated Burtch Seed Company, located in Celina, Ohio, since 1979. Our team at Pond Seed Company will continue to offer the same great products, genetics, and customer service that you’ve all come to expect.
Our History
1927
The Pond Seed Company was started in 1927 by Omar Pond in Scott, Ohio. The company was originally developed to release hybrid seed corn developed by the Land Grant University system. The company focused on seed corn and Ohio Certified barley, which were primarily grown for feed purposes. The business model of that time was founded on the convenience of the local farmer to have a source of superior genetics.
1945
The business developed and continued to grow. Vernon Pond, Omar’s son, took over the business at the end of WWII. The community started to raise more types of clovers as a source of hay animal feed and also to loosen the tougher clay soils of Northwest Ohio.
1960
Pond Seed moved more into the direction of a custom seed cleaner and focused on Yellow Blossom Sweet clover and Brome grass. In the 1960’s, Pond Seed Company became the largest producer of YBSC east of the Mississippi River, processing 24 hours a day for nearly 6 months of the season.
1970
An employee of the business, Ralph Rhodus, took over the business in the early 1970’s upon Vernon’s retirement.
He started increasing the volume of soybeans that were custom cleaned for farmers. Soybeans were a relatively new crop and started replacing many of the acres of
clover being grown.
1986
Fred Pond, Vernon’s son, purchased the business from Ralph in 1986. He then dramatically increased the focus on soybeans.
1995
In 1995, soybeans became patented. This ended the custom cleaning business, but opened a new door to
raise and sell their own genetics. The company continued to flourish by selecting genetics that grew exceptionally well in the Black Swamp region of former Lake Erie.
2022
Pond Seed Company merged with Burtch Seed Company of Celina, Ohio. Each company continues to operate independently and provide the same great service. Eddie Burtch transitioned into a new role at Pond Seed in sales and production.