S&W initiates dormant alfalfa seed expansion program

S&W Seed Company announced the initiation of its dormant alfalfa seed expansion program. The company has selected a portion of its farmland surrounding its Five Points, California seed processing facility for the initial planting of its SW4328 dormant parent seed. Upon the successful harvest of "parent seed" in the fall of 2013, S&W will be able to begin producing commercial quantities of dormant alfalfa seed in the fall of 2014.

Alfalfa seed is ranked by dormancy, and since 1980, S&W had focused primarily on breeding and producing non-dormant alfalfa seed varieties that are suited to warmer climates. In February 2012, S&W obtained certification from the California Crop Improvement Association (CCIA) for its first internally bred dormant alfalfa seed variety, SW4328. In August 2012, S&W acquired a portfolio of dormant alfalfa varieties suited for colder climate conditions. These varieties were previously marketed by their developer as Rhino, Trophy, Runner and Monument. S&W's breeders are engaged in a breeding program that seeks to integrate leading traits of S&W's non-dormant varieties, such as salt tolerance, into proprietary dormant alfalfa seed varieties.

Mark Grewal, president and chief executive officer of S&W Seed, commented, "While our dormant program continues to be in its early stages, this marks the first time in the company's history that we will be growing dormant parent seed to be utilized in seed production. SW4328 is well suited to high altitude and cooler climates and will help to expand our customer base. In addition to the initiation of SW4328, we anticipate that we will produce Rhino, Trophy, Runner and Monument this year through contract growers in the Northwest. I believe these varieties stand up well in the market."