Whitgro buys Johnson Seed at Garfield

Whitgro, Inc., announced March 31 the purchase of Johnson Seed Company in Garfield.

The sale will take effect June 1.

“We are excited about the opportunity to enhance their seed capacity and grow their already robust seed operation,” said Whitgro General Manager Heath Barnes. “This acquisition will allow Whitgro the ability to maintain a high-quality seed program in the future.”

Mark Johnson, the sole owner of Johnson Seed, founded the operation in 1997 after managing the seed plant of the former Oakesdale Grain Growers.

“I think it’ll be a good thing,” said Johnson of the sale. “To combine a...