By Shelly Zeller, Alden Advance

ALDEN — The end of 2013 started a process of change for local Syngenta seed adviser Tim Wiersma.

On Dec. 31, 2013, Wiersma purchased the location in Alden known as the old Club 90, adjacent from Expressway and next to Arnold’s of Alden.

“At that time I started my business and knew that although I could sell seed right out of my farm, this location is much more convenient for my customers,” said Wiersma.

While previously working at Arnold’s, Wiersma was approached by a customer and after discussing his options with Syngenta, he knew it was a good fit.

“I liked what was happening within Syngenta, and farming most of my life and having the connections I did, I liked where their seed was going and agreed on the offer to start selling on my own.”

Wiersma is the owner of Harvest Seed Solutions as a Syngenta seed adviser.

“This was just a great location and a perfect place to build a business,” he said. “As soon as I started selling seed I knew this was the place I wanted to be.”

After approaching the previous owners, doing leg work and finding out as much as he could about the property, he came to an agreement with the sellers.

“As sales increase, my goal is to put up a seed warehouse office complex,” said Wiersma. “I would like to see a Realtor or insurance agent in the building with me. I am not sure on the details, but am open at this point.”

Being a seed adviser has opened many doors for Wiersma, and he is happy about his opportunities.

“I have always liked selling and liked ag, that’s all I know,” he said. “I have been able to be a part of the Minnesota Corn Grower’s board as well as on the action community 20/20 vision for National Corn Growers and the U.S. Grains Council and I really have enjoyed being able to participate in all of these as a seed advisor.”

The 1.8 acres running along Interstate 90 is part of what Wiersma describes as an “ag center.”

“All right here are Arnold’s, Freeborn Pride Builders, Freeborn County Co-op, Expressway, all of which have become a center for farmers and I knew I could fit right within that,” he said.

After he tied up the property, he has continued selling seed and furthering the development process.

“I have lots of goals for the next couple of years,” he said. “And I’m excited to be a part of the community and see how much growth continues.”