Production
Along with the Lewis Farm, the field staff at Lewis Seed works with many quality seed growers in the Willamette Valley. Some distributors may be interested in securing production of their own varieties. Lewis Seed can locate the appropriate acres, negotiate the production contract, provide regular field updates, arrange cleaning schedules, provide seed tests, and schedule shipping.
For more information on seed production, please contact Ken Strahan.
Research
Lewis Seed works with the finest independent and university plant breeders from around the world. Turf and forage varieties are constantly being reviewed and tested. Furthermore, Lewis Seed was one of the first seed production companies to test the effectiveness of various species and varieties for use as a cover crop. Annual ryegrass testing in the Midwest began in 2005 as part of a collaborative effort with the University of Illinois Extension Service. Testing continues with various broadleaf species.
Development – Turf
Products in the turf development pipeline include:
- Creeper: a new generation strong creeper with dark color
- Turf-type Annual Ryegrass: finer leaf, dark green color and screened for salt tolerance
- Kentucky Bluegrass: improved turf varieties
- Turf-type Perennial Ryegrass: One variety with better cold tolerance and a variety with creeping characteristics
Development – Forage
Products in the forage development pipeline:
- Diploid Annual Ryegrass: excellent rust resistance, with high forage yield
- Clovers: improved red and white clovers, with higher forage yields and increased persistence
- Forage Tall Fescue: increased cold tolerance
- Kentucky Bluegrass: improved forage variety for better forage yields