Snake Pit

Central States Enterprises is a grain storage and elevator business established by Eugene Kraus. In 1947, Central States Seed Service was formed through the acquisition of the Ackerman Seed Company of Lima in Ohio. The scope of operation was two tiered and included the interests of the seed operation and grain storage. Central States Grain and Trading Company, a team of merchandisers responsible for merchandising grain in New Haven, Fla., and elevator and other grain operations throughout the Midwest, was assembled in 1970. Sowega Grain served as the cornerstone for the development of the company s alliances in the Southeast markets. In 1980 Central States Grain, Central States Grain & Trading Company and Sowega Grain became Central States Enterprises and the consolidation brought the interests of the companies into a singular entity. Central States Enterprises is located in Lake City, Fla.