90 Years of Dedication

Celebrating 90 Years of Growth:

How Jacobsen Seed Has Cultivated its Place in the Seed Industry 

Jacobsen Hybrid Seed Company has a rich history that began in 1936, by two farmers, Leonard and Henry Jacobsen, the great-great uncles of the current owner, Dave Nelson. Recognizing the advantages of
transitioning from open-pollinated to hybrid corn seed, they sought to improve agricultural productivity and yields for their family and friends. After opening for business in downtown Lake View, Iowa, they attracted a strong local customer base and drew in customers from neighboring states such as South Dakota and Nebraska.

The transition from open-pollinated corn to hybrid corn seed marked a major advancement in agriculture, revolutionizing corn production and farming practices. After World War II, the popularity of hybrid corn grew due to the Green Revolution, which promoted high-yield varieties and modern farming techniques, resulting in increased crop productivity to support a growing population.

It was during this important transition period that Don Nelson, the nephew of Leonard and Henry, and Dave’s grandpa, had returned from serving in World War II and joined Jacobsen Seed. In 1946, he became a co-owner of the company along with his cousin, Charles Maynard. Their partnership led to an expanded range of products and services, and by the mid-1950s, the business relocated to its current site.

Larry Nelson, like his father Don, served his country overseas. He joined the family business in 1971 as the third generation and assumed sole ownership of Jacobsen Seed in 1985 when Don and Charles retired. Under his leadership, Jacobsen Seed experienced significant growth, more than doubling in size and production capacity. Additionally, the period from the 1970s to the 1990s saw significant advancements in seed treatment technologies.

Larry’s oldest son, Dave, grew up working for Jacobsen Seed every summer. After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Ag Business, Dave built his career in agriculture, focusing on research and genetics, and eventually became an operations manager at a research and breeding site for one of the largest companies in the ag industry. In 2014, Dave proudly became the fourth generation to contribute to Jacobsen Seed, enhancing the company through the addition of the seed conditioning facility and expansion of its dealer and distributor network.