ORIGIN STORY
The DLF story began on March 11th, 1905, when Povl Nielsen, a 52-year-old Danish farmer, proposed the idea for a Frøforsyningen or "local seed supply" during a farmer co-op meeting.
He noted the excellent potential for seed growing in Denmark and the importance of growers working together to ensure the quality of Danish seed remained strong.
Povl’s idea was widely supported by his fellow farmers, and as word spread, he was invited to speak at various agricultural meetings and forums across Denmark. Through his efforts, the co-op was able to secure enough support from farmer union representatives and government officials to move forward with the plan.
DLF was officially founded in Copenhagen on January 27th, 1906, and Povl Nielsen was elected as its first chairman.
Povl Nielsen
The original DLF logo was a Viking longboat and included the full company name, Dansk Landbrugs Frøselskab (Danish Agricultural Seed Company) and company motto, Godt Frø God Høst (Good Seed, Good Harvest).
GOOD SEED, GOOD HARVEST
The founders of DLF were Danish farmers who joined together to improve the quality of seeds and help Denmark become self-sufficient in its seed stock. Smart investments and money management led to early success for DLF. Grass seed fields became cleaner, seed yield increased, and Danish farmers were noticing the advantage of having premium homegrown varieties.
DLF's first warehouse in Roskilde
Harvesting seed by reaper
Bringing in the harvest
Cleaning grass seed
Bags of seed drying
Seed Laboratory in Roskildegaard
At its 50-year mark, DLF’s seed production had increased twelvefold and operations were spread out across Denmark at eight different locations. DLF also operated four research farms and had the country’s most advanced seed cleaning plant. With its national needs fulfilled, DLF moved to secure a solid position in the export market. At its 90-year mark, the Danish seed industry was fully amalgamated under DLF, and exports accounted for 95% of Danish seed production. DLF could now focus on breeding and marketing its own portfolio of varieties and establishing a physical presence abroad.
DLF HISTORY IN NORTH AMERICA
The DLF Trifolium Years
In 1990, DLF purchased the field seed division of Dæhnfeldt, which included a rudimentary trial field and cabin near Corvallis, Oregon. DLF renamed the subsidiary DLF-TRIFOLIUM USA and looked for ways to strengthen its position in North America.
In 2000, DLF-TRIFOLIUM USA purchased Jenks Seed Connection in Albany, Oregon and started marketing a full line of higher quality turf and forage grasses under the name DLF-JENKS. The merger helped DLF build its North American sales, exports and local knowledge.
An International Enterprise
In 2003, DLF-TRIFOLIUM USA changed its name to DLF International Seeds and moved its headquarters to Halsey, Oregon after DLF acquired Cebeco International Seeds. In addition, a new research station was established in Philomath, Oregon for plant breeding and ancillary trials.
In 2006, DLF opened a new research station in Berry, Kentucky to evaluate disease tolerance and collect data on summer seed yield and early maturity.
The Right Pick
In 2013, DLF purchased Pickseed, a North American leader in the development, production and distribution of turfgrass and forage crop seeds. The acquisition added eight locations across Canada and Oregon, as well as the Pickseed, Mapleseed, Seed Research of Oregon, and TurfOne company brands.
In 2015, DLF merged the Pickseed, Seed Research of Oregon, and DLF International Seeds brands into a new subsidiary called DLF Pickseed.
Market Expansion
In 2017, DLF Pickseed purchased X-Seed and added a full line of premium lawn, pasture, wildflower and wildlife seed mixtures to its portfolio. In addition, DLF Pickseed acquired Moore Seeds to increase its market presence in the Peace River production area.
In 2018, DLF Pickseed purchased La Crosse Seed, an industry leader in the distribution of turfgrass, forage and cover crop seed in the US Midwest. The acquisition added five locations and the Forage First, Earth Carpet, and Soil First brands to DLF's portfolio.
One DLF
In 2019, DLF reorganized its global forage and turf business into strategic business units based on regional clusters. This was the official start of the North America Strategic Business Unit (SBU).
New Developments in Wisconsin
In 2020, DLF Pickseed opened a new research station in Bangor, Wisconsin to evaluate drought tolerance and nitrogen efficiency in sandy soils and collect additional data on seed yield, disease resistance and cold tolerance.
Strategic Growth & Development
In 2022, DLF Pickseed acquired three North American seed companies: OreGro Seeds, a forage, cover crop and turfgrass breeding company in Lebanon, Oregon; Premier Pacific Seeds, a forage, cover crop, reclamation and turfgrass seed company in Surrey, British Columbia; and Deer Creek Seed, a forage, turf, cover crop and food plot company with facilities in Wisconsin and Illinois. Then in the fall of 2022, the North America SBU adopted a shorter name (DLF) and a new corporate visual identity.
The Future of Alfalfa Breeding
In 2023, DLF purchased Corteva Agriscience’s alfalfa breeding program to bolster its global position in alfalfa and procure a robust genetic platform. The acquisition included research stations in Wisconsin and Washington, as well as the Alforex Seeds brand and trademarks.
