Albert Lea Seed House, owner of Viking Corn Soybeans and one of the largest suppliers of organic field seed in the U.S., announced July 14 that it has acquired Blue River Organic Seed, the nation's longest-established organic seed corn brand from the Farmers Business Network.
Founded in 2005 and based in Ames, Iowa, Blue River's product line includes organic corn, silage, soybean, alfalfa, forages and sorghum. Albert Lea, founded in 1923, is headquartered in Albert Lea, Minn. Its product line also includes small grains, cover crops, wildflowers and native grasses.
The acquisition makes Albert Lea Seed the largest organic field seed supplier, producer, and commercialization expert in the U.S.
The move combines industry leaders from Blue River and the Albert Lea Seed teams and aims to expand the organization's relationships in the organic farming market.
Albert Lea also gains Blue River's 40,000-square-foot, climate-controlled seed warehouse and office for support and distribution of the combined Viking/Blue River Organic Seed brand.
The combined Viking/Blue River Organic seed brand will operate out of Albert Lea, Minn. and Ames, Iowa.
Albert Lea Seed currently serves more than 6,000 customers. The addition of Blue River will double the size of its organic corn and soybean seed business and will enable it to serve customers and dealers across the U.S. more efficiently.
