Beck's Hybrids is taking full ownership of the former Pfister Hybrids facility in El Paso, Ill. (Photo by Carrie Muehling/WJBC)

By Carrie Muehling

EL PASO – More changes are coming for the former Pfister Hybrids facility in El Paso, Ill. now that Beck’s Hybrids is taking complete possession of the property.

The location will be a distribution point for the company as well as a seed corn processing facility.

“We’re just really excited about the future and everything that’s going on, and people are going to see a lot of changes over the next year, even, so we’re excited to serve those Central Illinois farmers,” said Ryan Parkin, marketing communications manager for Beck’s Hybrids.

Parkin said they are currently upgrading the facility and will also be hiring more people to work there in the months ahead. 

Practical Farm Research book available

Beck’s has also published the newest edition of the Practical Farm Research book, which is a compilation of all the different studies the company does at locations across the Midwest.  The Downs location does more than 70 studies each year.  The 240-page book will go out to Beck’s customers and others who are on the mailing list around Thanksgiving.  Copies are available free of charge by request at 1-800-YES-BECK.

Parkin said some important things to note for 2013 include using seed treatments on soybeans and considering drought tolerant corn, which will be among choices this year for the first time. 

Giving back

The family owned company also continues giving back through some unique programs.  For the second year, Beck’s Hybrids is raising money for the We Care For Orphans adoption fund, this year by raffling a limited edition Chevrolet Camaro Panther. Customers can donate to the charity for a chance to win the car, which is number one out of 100 that were built.  The company is hoping to raise over $100,000.  They began the program last year and raised close to $80,000 with the raffle of two Orange County Chopper bikes.  Last year they helped over 20 families and Parkin said they hope to double that this year.

Parkin participated in the Trade Talk event at the 2012 National Association of Farm Broadcasting event in Kansas City earlier this month.

Carrie Muehling can be reached at carrie@wjbc.com.