Oborny recognized as KCIA Premier Seed Grower

Tim Oborny of Bison, Kansas, was named Premier Seed Grower by Kansas Crop Improvement Association at the 2018 Kansas Seed and Crops Conference held recently in Manhattan.

To qualify for the award, the recipient must have several years of experience as a certified seed producer, with certified seed being a major component of their business, must exhibit quality consciousness in all production and sales practices and must be involved in public service activities.

Oborny is a third-generation seed producer, following the path of his grandfather, Edward Oborny and his father, Edward Jr., who were also recognized as Premier Seed Growers in 1951 and 1975 respectively. Together they comprise some 70 years of certified seed production.

Oborny had seed production in his blood at an early age, attending KCIA meetings with his father and helping with production and cleaning on the family farm. He earned a degree in agriculture from Kansas State University and worked part-time as a student analyst in the KCIA Seed Testing Laboratory. He and his wife, Patricia, now manage the family farm near Bison, with certified wheat seed production being a key component to their operation. The Obornys have four children: Audra, Wyatt, Cordell and Isaac, who are already beginning to help out on the farm.

Involvement with KCIA has always been important for Oborny. He has served on committees, as well as the Board of Directors from 2002 to 2011 and was president of the Board from 2008 to 2011. Church and family are also priorities for Oborny, as he serves on the Church Parish Council, helps with various fundraisers and helps with the kids’ school activities.

Oborny is proud of his family’s history of seed production and remains a dedicated seedsman, who realizes the importance of good genetics and high quality seed.

Since its inception in 1930, 165 Premier Seed Grower awards have been presented. Recipients are selected by ballot with previous year’s honorees casting the votes.

For further information, call Kansas Crop Improvement Association at 785-532-6118, visit www.kscrop.org, or email [email protected].