Keystone Welcomes Third SEED Class

Keystone Cooperative is proud to welcome eight recent high school graduates to the SEED (Securing Experience & Employee Development) Class of 2026. Representing communities across Indiana, these young professionals are beginning their journey toward rewarding careers in agriculture and energy. 2026 SEED Professionals include: 

• Hayden Roberts, Rushville High School 

• Addison Jay, Indiana School of Agriculture and Technology 

• Katee Cowan, Hagerstown High School 

• Elizar Aldaz, Tri-County High School 

• Isaiah Gray, Tri High School 

• Logan McConnell, Greenfield Central High School 

• Colton Stockment, Frontier High School 

Now entering its third year, the SEED Program launched in 2024 and has welcomed a total of 32 high school graduates to date. The one-year, full-time developmental program is designed for recent graduates who are eager to enter the workforce while exploring Keystone’s diverse business units including Grain, Energy, Agronomy, and Swine and Animal Nutrition. 

SEED Professionals complete four nine-week rotations, gaining hands-on experience in each business area before identifying the pathway where they will continue their careers with Keystone. From dumping trucks and pulling propane hoses to walking swine barns and loading grain trains, participants experience the day-to-day operations that drive the cooperative’s success. 

“The SEED Program is a groundbreaking initiative that continues to gain momentum across our Midwest footprint,” said Kevin Still, President and CEO of Keystone Cooperative. “It’s more than workforce development. It’s an investment in Keystone’s future. Our employees truly enjoy mentoring these young professionals, and it’s inspiring to see the energy and curiosity they bring into our organization. SEED is shaping the future of Keystone, one individual at a time.” 

Throughout the program, participants receive full-time pay and benefits, including access to professional certifications and specialized training. Upon successful completion, SEED Professionals are offered full-time positions aligned with their strengths, interests, and career goals. 

“The SEED program helps set young people up for long term career success at Keystone. I am excited to welcome these eight outstanding individuals to the Keystone team,” said Kaitlyn Lacey, SEED Program Coordinator. “They all have a bright future ahead of them and I look forward to watching their careers unfold at Keystone.” 

Previous SEED Professionals from the classes of 2024 and 2025 have been placed in early career roles, continuing their path at Keystone, such as Feed Mill Coordinator, Petroleum Service Technician, Grain Operations and Feed Mill Operator.  

“Choosing Keystone’s SEED program, rather than traditional education, offers hands-on experience, immediate income, and the chance to develop real-world skills,” said Addison Jay, 2026 SEED Professional. “What I’m looking forward to most as I start my career is being able to learn and efficiently operate in all the divisions at the end of the year.” 

 
“The SEED program gives me the opportunity to go in to a strong workforce at a young age and learn a lot from others’ years of experience. I look forward to discovering all the divisions,” said Hayden Roberts, 2026 SEED Professional. “I chose SEED over traditional education because I have always struggled in the classroom with sitting still. I am a person that likes to learn hands on through work-based learning.” 

Meet all eight members of the SEED Class of 2026 at 
https://www.keystonecoop.com/careers/seed/classof2026 

Applications for the SEED Class of 2027 will open in September 2026. To learn more about the SEED Program, visit www.keystonecoop.com/SEED.