November 2021 - 21

SEED SHOWCASE
main season, are two proven highperforming
varieties that are favorites
in a full lineup of su and sh2 varieties.
Crookham Co. grew onion seed
for Atlee Burpee during World War
I. In 1948, Crookham Co. bought
Burpee's onion breeding program
and transported the stock seed from
Rocky Ford, Colorado, to Caldwell,
Idaho, in a Lincoln Zephyr and an
Oldsmobile Series 78. The company
now has one of the largest stock
seed onion banks in the world, and
a strong commitment to its onion
program and processes.
Dave Whitwood, who has been
the lead onion breeder for 23 years,
recalls, " We set our sights on two
paths; consistent quality seed that
produced a consistent and growerfriendly
product. To do this we got
back to basics in getting to know
the strengths of our stock seed and
staying in contact with our growers
to understand their needs now and
10 years from now. Once we had that
trajectory, we supported it with strong
process systems and knowledgeable
people to oversee them. "
" Year after year I stand in grower
fields with our new lines like Trident,
Caldwell, Caliber and this year's new
release, Defender, and I'm impressed
with the size, scale and uniformity,
said. " Some favorites are Somerset,
Red Rock and Crown. "
Crookham Co.'s start was in
popcorn, and it remains strong today.
" Americans consume over 9 gallons of
popped popcorn per year.
" Popcorn has been a national snack
for as long as we can remember and at
Crookham, we take snacks seriously. "
said Pieter Droegnkamp, the lead
developer for popcorn. Droegnkamp and
Dennis Demshar, Crookham's popcorn
breeder, work with many growers in an
ever-expanding worldwide market.
" There are varieties that are known
Crookham Co.'s Dave Whitwood in an
onion shed.
and how we can answer a grower's
concern, be that a variety friendly
to an overhead irrigation system, or
a variety that makes applications a
little easier, " said Lyndon Johnson,
lead onion developer. It's great to
say, we've got something that will
handle that. We see gaps and needs as
opportunities. "
Rob Gobleck, lead developer,
Crookham Co. popcorn breeder Dennis
Demshar.
and Filippo Rimi, short-day onion
breeder, have brought " work horses "
to the Southwest market. " We have
weather and elevation that our
growers contend with, and these seeds
need to perform. " Rimi said.
Gobleck knows the Southwest
market well. " Growers have found
what works for them, and some will
grow the entire short-day lineup, " he
for their worldwide adaptability
like R997, flavor and texture like
R98114W, and for popping expansion
R502 rules the market, " Demshar
said. " Our research has and continues
to expand into challenging growing
conditions. We know inclement
weather is on our grower's radar, so
it's on ours. "
Crookham Co. works closely
with its distributors, growers and
the consumer to bring the qualities
they depend on to the market. This
is supported by an experienced
workforce with innovative processes
to ensure that the highest quality
seeds hit the dirt when you plant. Let
us know how we can help you grow
today. VGN
RAISING THE BAR
XANADU
Xanadu
Maturity: 74-75 day
Ear Size: 8 x 1.75-2 "
Nirvana
The
Series
C
o
™
Xanadu is part of The Nirvana Series™
and provides
your customers with unique taste and texture. Growers
appreciate its higher ear placement, improved disease
resistance, consumer appeal, and post-harvest shelf life.
RAISING THE BAR
IN QUALITY, FLAVOR, AND YIELD
Bringing you the best products in partnership with Crookham.
Elevate your sweet corn experience with The Nirvana Series™
.
Visit ruppseeds.com to request or download your copy
of our 2022 catalog including 35 new products.
800-700-1199
ruppseeds.com
VGN | NOVEMBER 2021 | 21
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http://www.ruppseeds.com http://www.ruppseeds.com
November 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November 2021
