In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2013, Steyer Seeds® kicked off a “Seeds for Hope” campaign. From September of 2013 to May 2014, Steyer Seeds committed to donating $1 per unit sold of SureStand and $3 per unit of SureStand Clariva Complete Soy Beans to the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). Through the campaign, more than $160,000 was raised.
These seed treatments are products used to protect against microorganisms and fungi that can be detrimental for crops. Color is typically added to seed treatments to differentiate various formulations, as well as prevent accidental consumption or use. Seed treatments sold as a part of “Seeds for Hope” were pink.
Steyer Seeds, established in Tiffin, Ohio, in 1985, has gained a strong foothold in the heart of the Midwest’s competitive wheat, corn, soybean and alfalfa producing area and is dedicated to serving professional farmers. The Steyer family started farming in 1949 when Art Steyer purchased 144 acres near Fort Seneca, Ohio. The company has had a facility in Mason City, Ill., since 2010, and has a team of sales representatives throughout the Midwest, including Ohio and Illinois. Steyer believes that seed purchases today are an investment in a farmer’s future and is committed to providing the finest value and highest return by utilizing outstanding quality, exceptional biotechnology, value-oriented programs and tools and personalized relationships and services.
“We would love to see farmers get behind this cause, allowing us to really make a difference with our donation,” said Ben Steyer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Steyer Seeds. “By giving to the Spielman Fund, we know that 100% of every dollar we donate will go to research. At an innovative company like Steyer, we believe in the power of research. We’re hopeful that initiatives like this one will result in better and faster outcomes for this horrible disease, which affects too many U.S. women and men.” Several Steyer employees have been impacted by breast cancer, making the cause a personal choice for the group.
“My mother was diagnosed in 1960, and passed away three years later,” said Reggie Dowell, a Steyer team member. “My sister began her fight with the disease nearly four decades later and won. I think that’s a testament to how far we have come with diagnoses and treatments.”
Dave Dimmick, District Sales Manager, said, “My wife, Becky, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. After chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and another round of chemotherapy, we’re thrilled to say she’s been cancer free since 2011, and we’re also thrilled that my company has chosen breast cancer research as the recipient of its ‘Seeds for Hope’ program.”
The employees of Steyer Seeds were moved by the number of customers who stepped up to the cause when they learned of the promotion. The breast cancer stories shared by customers reinforced that breast cancer is everyone’s disease, regardless if one is the patient, a family member and caregiver, or a friend and neighbor.