Mattson Seed Farms is rooted in family farming and cultivating high-quality seed. A certified WestBred® Wheat seed dealer, Mattson Seed Farms’ story goes back decades because of the family’s faith and perseverance.

This family’s generational farming story started in 1948. Herbert Mattson Sr. relocated with his wife from Iowa to Pine Bluffs in Wyoming to start Mattson Ranch Company. They raised winter wheat, millets, spring oats and corn together for nearly three decades until Herbert passed away in 1974. With seed still in high demand and the company growing, Herb Mattson Jr., the only son, took over farm operations. Being a second-generation farmer and businessman, he had big shoes to fill. But, he was determined to make his father and family proud.

After 24 years, Herb and his wife, Brenda, took a leap of faith and decided to open a state-approved seed cleaning facility in 1999. Herb credits his family for the family business’s success. To prepare the next generation, he trained and educated his children on seed farming, and they now work in a variety of roles.

“Today we have our youngest son, Nic, raising certified seed as a contract grower for WestBred wheat varieties, helping make business decisions and working hard for the business,” said Herb. “We have a son, Ben, who has helped in numerous ways, including creating and the maintenance of our wonderful website: mattsonseedfarms.com. Our twin sons, Jason and Justin, are weekend and harvest helpers when possible. In past years, our daughter, Cassidy, would help when she could. Tragedy faced our family in 2001, losing our oldest son, JR, to a grain bin accident. He would have been a big part of the business. But we are proud of all of our adult children and the lives they have made.”

Today, Herb’s operations are in two locations: northwest Kansas and Wyoming. As generations have passed with more to come, the same crops are still in rotation.

“Mattson’s crop rotation in Kansas is winter wheat, and next year it will be corn or milo,” said Herb. “If conditions allow, the next year we’ll plant corn and milo again. Following this, the next crop will more than likely be wheat. Flexibility is the name of the game. Everything depends on the weather and moisture availability. Wyoming’s rotation is almost always wheat, fallow and wheat. Sometimes, if moisture allows, we can throw millet into the rotation.”

With the help of his tech-savvy children and key employees, he has been able to upgrade to high-tech ag technology. Devices such as AutoTrac™, GPS and grain control all make Mattson Seed Farms highly efficient.

Herb’s key to success to generational family farming? “I believe you must have good management and dependable employees, and watch the bottom line, costs and inputs. It is necessary to keep up and change with the times using technology available. We feel we have the most current equipment to make high-quality product.”

As generations start to grow and form, Herb has hopes that the farm will continue. His son, Nic, is a potential partner in the business. The family is also willing to hire an individual to be a part of the family farming tradition.

Mattson Seed Farms is an ever-growing business that is current and not afraid to learn new ways. Generational farming is not linear, but family is always a constant.

To learn more about Herb, his wife, Brenda, and the rest of his family business, visit mattsonseedfarms.com.