Keystone Welcomes 18 SEED Developmental Professionals to the Team
Jun 19, 2025
Keystone Cooperative is excited to welcome 18 new high school graduates to the SEED (Securing Experience & Employee Development) Class of 2025, marking a significant expansion from the inaugural class of six in 2024. These young professionals represent communities across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, Keystone’s three state footprint, and are ready to begin their journey toward a fulfilling career in agriculture and energy.
The SEED Program is a two-year, full-time developmental experience designed for recent high school graduates eager to enter the workforce and explore Keystone’s diverse business units: Grain, Energy, Agronomy, Swine & Animal Nutrition, and Corporate Services.
“I applied for the SEED Program because I knew I wanted a future in agriculture, but I wasn’t sure which path was right for me. SEED gave me the chance to explore different areas hands-on, without the pressure of choosing a college major right away, ” says Jacey Willhelm, SEED Professional from Connersville, Indiana. “It’s been amazing to learn, grow, and connect with others my age while gaining real experience in the ag industry. I’m excited to discover a career I’m truly passionate about and build lasting friendships along the way.”
You can see all 18 Class of 2025 SEED Professionals at www.keystonecoop.com/careers/seed/classof2025.
The program officially kicked off on June 9th at Keystone’s corporate headquarters, where the SEED Professionals began their corporate rotation. While stepping into the corporate environment can be overwhelming, this strategic starting point is designed to provide a strong foundation in Keystone’s operations and culture.
Week one highlights included a deep dive into the value of safety and completion of all required safety training, site visits to agronomy and grain locations and an introduction to Keystone’s mission, vision, and culture. “This immersive first week is all about setting the tone,” said Sarah Morehouse, SEED program manager at Keystone Cooperative.
“We want our SEED Professionals to understand not just what we do, but why we do it, and how they can grow their personal career with us.”
SEED Professionals will spend 9 weeks in each of the five rotations, learning about the operations of each business unit and finding the unit they’ll continue their career after the two-year program is complete. Field scouting, pulling a propane hose, walking swine barns and loading grain trains are all part of this robust training. During this time, they receive full-time pay and benefits, including access to professional certifications and training. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are offered full-time roles that align with their interests and strengths.
“The SEED Program is a groundbreaking initiative that’s gaining real momentum across our three-state footprint. It’s more than just a workforce development effort, it’s an investment in our long-term success. Our employees genuinely enjoy mentoring these young professionals, and it’s inspiring to see the energy and curiosity they bring to the table. SEED is shaping the future of Keystone, one individual at a time,” said Kevin Still, President & CEO of Keystone Cooperative.
Applications for the SEED Class of 2026 are open. To learn more about the SEED Program, visit www.keystonecoop.com/SEED.
The SEED Program is a two-year, full-time developmental experience designed for recent high school graduates eager to enter the workforce and explore Keystone’s diverse business units: Grain, Energy, Agronomy, Swine & Animal Nutrition, and Corporate Services.
“I applied for the SEED Program because I knew I wanted a future in agriculture, but I wasn’t sure which path was right for me. SEED gave me the chance to explore different areas hands-on, without the pressure of choosing a college major right away, ” says Jacey Willhelm, SEED Professional from Connersville, Indiana. “It’s been amazing to learn, grow, and connect with others my age while gaining real experience in the ag industry. I’m excited to discover a career I’m truly passionate about and build lasting friendships along the way.”
You can see all 18 Class of 2025 SEED Professionals at www.keystonecoop.com/careers/seed/classof2025.
The program officially kicked off on June 9th at Keystone’s corporate headquarters, where the SEED Professionals began their corporate rotation. While stepping into the corporate environment can be overwhelming, this strategic starting point is designed to provide a strong foundation in Keystone’s operations and culture.
Week one highlights included a deep dive into the value of safety and completion of all required safety training, site visits to agronomy and grain locations and an introduction to Keystone’s mission, vision, and culture. “This immersive first week is all about setting the tone,” said Sarah Morehouse, SEED program manager at Keystone Cooperative.
“We want our SEED Professionals to understand not just what we do, but why we do it, and how they can grow their personal career with us.”
SEED Professionals will spend 9 weeks in each of the five rotations, learning about the operations of each business unit and finding the unit they’ll continue their career after the two-year program is complete. Field scouting, pulling a propane hose, walking swine barns and loading grain trains are all part of this robust training. During this time, they receive full-time pay and benefits, including access to professional certifications and training. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are offered full-time roles that align with their interests and strengths.
“The SEED Program is a groundbreaking initiative that’s gaining real momentum across our three-state footprint. It’s more than just a workforce development effort, it’s an investment in our long-term success. Our employees genuinely enjoy mentoring these young professionals, and it’s inspiring to see the energy and curiosity they bring to the table. SEED is shaping the future of Keystone, one individual at a time,” said Kevin Still, President & CEO of Keystone Cooperative.
Applications for the SEED Class of 2026 are open. To learn more about the SEED Program, visit www.keystonecoop.com/SEED.