Mac Ehrhardt, Chairman
Brett Bell, President and CEO

You don’t need us to tell you that 2024 has been a challenging year. Organic farmers across the U.S. have been faced with erratic weather that has led to late planting, difficult weed control, uneven stands, and prevent planting. On top of that, prices for most organic crops have fallen.

We don’t know what the rest of the year will bring, but we have confidence that—no matter what the challenge is—organic farmers will rise to meet it. We also know that you won’t be alone. The network of support for organic farmers is stronger than it has ever been. OGRAIN, NOFA, Marbleseed (MOSES), PFI, Rodale, OSA, OTA, and many other organizations put on field days, provide resources, and in other ways make it possible for organic farmers to learn from others. Most of all we’re heartened by the organic farmer-to-farmer support that we often hear about and witness. This matters not just on a practical level, but also on an emotional and spiritual level. We are in this together.

At Albert Lea Seed, we are doing our best to improve our Blue River organic seed products and customer service to benefit you, the folks who are doing the actual farming.

COMMITTED TO ORGANIC RESEARCH.

We have put significant resources into an on-farm evaluation of the leading biological seed coatings. This project ramps up our efforts to identify biologicals that will protect organic crop seedlings and lead to improved emergence, stand establishment, yield, and grain quality.

We continue to fund a significant breeding effort for Organic farmers through our corn research program: Encore Genetics. Highlights of this summer’s research include five levels of testing (from screening to commercial), with yield trials from ND to MO, and from NE to VA; crossing blocks to make new hybrids (including hybrids using some exciting naturally-occurring traits); and continued development of new PuraMaize inbreds and hybrids.

COMMITTED TO ORGANIC SOLUTIONS.

Supported by your local Blue River dealer and backed by Albert Lea Seed, we’re committed to coming through with the highest performing organic lineup for your farm. We’re dedicated to understanding the challenges you face and finding opportunities to succeed with the right mix of products. We’ve also added some new products to the lineup with a few key hybrids for the heart of the Corn Belt.

RiseUp + BioGuard will be a new custom biological seed coating option for 2025. Many of you have asked for an OMRI-compliant seed coating that would help protect seedlings from insects and plant diseases. This is our first offering that brings proven protection.

We also know that farming finances may be tight this year, and we have improved our financing options by combining a cash discount with zero-interest financing. Or, if you are able to finance your seed purchase, we are offering a 14% Early Pay discount for the first time.

COMMITTED TO ORGANIC PERFORMANCE.

We know performance matters a great deal to your success. In 2023, our corn hybrids produced 40+ Top Ten finishes in FIRST and University trails across the country. The soybean lineup produced 50+ top 5 finishes—with another 20+ in the top 10. Even against the biggest-named competitors out there, our lineup is tough to beat when it comes to yield and profit per acre. Still we know performance on your farm is where it counts most. We’re confident that we have the lineup and people to deliver results there, too.

COMMITTED TO YOUR ORGANIC ROTATION.

Along with strongest lineup of organic corn, soybeans and alfalfa in the nation with our Blue River product line, Albert Lea Seed also offers a wide range of organic and conventional small grains, forages, cover crops, and more. We love diverse crop rotations and find a great deal of joy in helping develop and select products that cover the needs of your whole farm.

COMMITTED TO ORGANIC FARMERS.

Above all, we are committed to your success. As you rise to meet the challenges of this time, we hope you’ll provide us with an opportunity to serve you along the way.