Dairyland Seed Co.
History and Background of Dairyland Seed Company
Founded by Simon and Andrew Strachota in 1907
On Andrew's retirement, Simon led the company, which later was taken over by his son Orville after his sudden death
Initially began as Strachota Seeds
Operated out of family's general store in eastern Wisconsin
Primary product White Dutch Clover Seed
Production was shifted to alfalfa seed due to decline in White Dutch Clover Seed Market
Alfalfa seed a product would grow in demand driven by Wisconsin dairy farmers searching for better forages for their cows
In 1963, company name was changed to Dairyland Seed Company
Jointly managed by Orville Strachota's three sons, Steve (president), Tom (CEO) and John (vice-president)
Private company with majority stock owned by the Strachota family
Dairy land is the only American family owned seed company with proprietary research in alfalfa, corn and soy beans
Company is divided into seven functional operational areas: management, finance, research, production, distribution, marketing and sales
Employs approximately 100 people plus seasonal help
40% of the company's employees work in R&D, making it the largest department in the company
Marketing Mix
1. Product
Alfalfa Dairyland has the world's largest alfalfa breeding program
Includes several specialty alfalfa varieties from which the farmer can choose to match their particular needs
Resent successful innovation includes the release of patented Sequential Maturity Alfalfa
Corn Seed corn plays an important role in their overall strategy
Introduced into their product line in 1961
Currently offers over 40 corn varieties that have been bred to meet the unique seed needs of the upper Midwestern states
2. Promotion
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