DLF acquires Corteva’s alfalfa program

By Amber Friedrichsen, Associate Editor

The forage research and plant breeding facility in West Salem, Wis., will be part of the purchase agreement between Corteva and DLF.

As of September 1, DLF officially acquired the Corteva Agriscience alfalfa breeding program, according to a DLF news release. DLF is a global seed company that is owned by Danish farmers that markets both forage and turf seed.

The acquisition includes Corteva’s global alfalfa germplasm and breeding program, the Alforex Seeds brand name, and trademarks like Hi-Gest alfalfa technology, Hi-Ton performance alfalfa, Hi-Salt salinity tolerant alfalfa, and msSuntra hybrid technology. DLF has also obtained current commercial alfalfa varieties from Corteva, as well as select research and development personnel who are located in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.

Once the business is fully transitioned after the 2024 season, DLF will offer varieties similar to today’s Pioneer and Dairyland Seed branded alfalfa products. In addition to integrating these elite alfalfa genetics into its global research and development program, the news release notes that DLF will be able to expand its market access beyond the 100 countries the company already supplies seed.

“We have consistently aimed to establish a strong presence in alfalfa across all our global markets, including North America,” said Soren Halbye, a group CEO of DLF. “Acquiring a renowned alfalfa research program presents a rare opportunity for DLF to significantly enhance our global position in alfalfa breeding and sales.”

Corteva’s alfalfa portfolio will bring a proven alfalfa germplasm base and a native trait pipeline to DLF for both dormant and nondormant markets. These traits include high yield potential, superior forage quality, winterhardiness, and pest and disease resistance.

“We believe this evolution in the alfalfa industry will create continued opportunities for DLF and our trusted partners to support the forage industry and our customer,” Halbye said. “We maintain our commitment to collaborating efficiently to deliver top-tier forage products to the market. Ensuring steady product availability and exceptional service for our customers during this period of change and beyond remains our priority.”

DLF will communicate its full commercial plans with stakeholders in the near future. In the meantime, Alforex Seeds customers are encouraged to contact Doug Bastain, Alforex business manager, at doug.bastain@dlf.com, or Martin Hegland at martin.hegland@dlf.com for U.S. and international private label sales. Direct other commercial inquiries to Dan Foor, senior vice president of distribution, at dan.foor@dlf.com.