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      Drivers of

      Profitability

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        Driving Profitability

        A family tradition of integrity.

        Since 1935.

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        Cornelius Seed History

        2021
        2021
        2021
        2021

        A new spacious office was built to accommodate a growing staff.

        2020
        2020
        2020
        2020

        Additional warehouse space was built for storage and hosting our annual Sales Kick-Off meeting.

        2017
        2017
        2017

        Shelling processes are updated and improved for gentler handling of seed and allowing for increased volume.

        2015
        2015
        2015

        Nancy Johnson leaves the family business to pursue her dream of teaching.

        2015
        2015

        Major renovation completed to the Husk/Sort facility for a gentler and more efficient handling of seed and a safer environment for employees.

        2014
        2014
        2014

        After 42 years of dedication and service to the company, Ron Cornelius, plant manager and co-owner, retires.

        2014
        2014

        Janie Cornelius joins Cornelius Seed as the Technology Lead. She earned a degree in Ag Studies from Iowa State. Janie is married to James.

        2013
        2013
        2013B

        Paul Cornelius passes away.

        2013
        2013
        2013

        Cornelius Seed makes the historic decision to launch Cornelius Seed brand soybeans.

        2011
        2011
        2011

        James, son of Chuck and Chris joins the business after earning degrees from Iowa State University in Agronomy and Ag Systems Technology. He is a 5th generation family owner as well.

        2010
        2010
        2010

        Cornelius Seed celebrated 75 years in business.

        2009
        2009
        2009

        Chuck and Chris’ son Will joins the business after graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Agronomy, extending the company’s family owned heritage to the 5th generation.

        2008
        2008
        2008

        Lester Johnson retires from the company to pursue a full-time farming operation.

        2006
        2006
        2006
        2006

        A state-of-the-art processing facility is built complete with a color sorter.

        2005
        2005
        2005

        Increased sales volume necessitates the construction of another warehouse and loading dock.

        2003
        2003
        2003

        Once again the Cornelius Seed dryers are updated and enlarged.

        2001
        2001
        2001

        The company embarks on the construction of a new main office and warehouse expansion.

        1998
        1998
        1998B

        Lawrence Cornelius passes away.

        1998
        1998
        1998

        The company introduces a new logo and accompanying slogan, “Plant it. Profit. ®”

        1994
        1994
        1994
        1994

        Gerald passes away. His son, Chuck, is named president of Cornelius Seed.

        1986
        1986
        1986

        Nancy Johnson—Gerald and Wanda Cornelius’ daughter—and her husband, Lester, join the company.

        1983
        1983
        1983

        Gerald and Wanda’s son Chuck joins the business as the fourth generation. Chuck graduated from Iowa State with a degree in Agronomy. His wife Chris, who also started with the business has a degree in Ag Journalism from Iowa State.

        1973
        1973
        1973
        1973

        Gilbert Cornelius passes away unexpectedly. His son, Gerald, assumes leadership of the business.

        1972
        1972
        1972

        Ron Cornelius joins the company, becoming an active part of Cornelius’ seed production and sales, and farming operation beyond the seed house.

        1970
        1970
        1970

        Charlie Cornelius passes away at the age of 88.

        1959
        1959
        1959

        Paul Cornelius, Gilbert and Alice Cornelius’ second son, joins the company. Health issues soon prompt his departure, but he continued to work closely with the company for many years as a corn breeder.

        1956
        1956
        1956

        Gilbert’s son, Gerald Cornelius, purchases his grandfather Charlie’s company shares, becoming the third generation to join the family business. His wife, Wanda, becomes an important part of the company’s growth.

        1949
        1949
        1949

        Emil Kruger leaves the business to become a pastor. Gilbert purchases Emil and Emma’s stake in the seed-processing facility.

        1946
        1946
        1946
        1946

        The partners break ground on a new production building located a half-mile south of the original location. The facility remains part of Cornelius Seed’s present-day operations.

        1945
        1945
        1945

        The company’s seed-drying house catches fire and burns to the ground, threatening nearby structures, including Charlie’s home. Lawrence Cornelius joins the partnership.

        1938
        1938
        1938-B
        1938-B

        Blue Ribbon Hybrid logo designed by Alice Cornelius.

        1938
        1938-A

        The partnership constructs a drying house on Charlie’s farm. Prior to that, seed was dried in the basements and attics of the partners’ homes.

        1936
        1936
        1936

        Charlie’s daughter, Emma, and her husband, Emil Kruger, join the family seed company partnership.

        1935
        1935
        Gilbert begins producing hybrid seed

        At the urging of his wife, Alice, Gilbert begins producing hybrid seed on six acres. A full-fledged business soon takes root.

        1934
        1934
        1934
        1934

        Charlie’s son, Gilbert, contracts with Farmer’s Hybrid Seed Corn Company to produce two acres of its new hybrid corn. The contract allows Gilbert to keep half of the foundation seed.

        1915
        1915
        1915

        Charlie Cornelius discovers a new hobby—evaluating and experimenting with open pollinated seed. Before long, he’s earning trophies, ribbons, and recognition at local and state growing competitions.