Founded in Wisconsin - Elk Mound Grain of Eau Claire
- greenwoodphilip
- Jun 13
- 6 min read
Elk Mound Seed Company, originally established as Elk Mound Feed & Farm Supply in 1874, began its operations as a grain elevator in Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley. Over the years, it has adapted to the evolving agricultural demands of the region, transitioning into a seed supplier in the 1980s. Remaining a family-owned enterprise, the company has expanded its distribution network to all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Canada, offering a range of products including wildflowers and native grasses. Significant historical milestones include Albert “Al” Zutter's acquisition of the Farmers Produce Company in 1933 and its subsequent expansion to Elk Mound in 1945.
Al Zutter: Business Legacy and Impact
In 1933, Albert "Al" Zutter acquired the Farmers Produce Company in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, marking the Zutter family's foray into the agricultural supply industry. In 1945, Al Zutter expanded the business by founding the Elk Mound Feed & Farm Supply, which later became known as the Elk Mound Seed Company. This positioned the company as a leading provider of feed and seed products in the Chippewa Valley. The business has remained under family ownership since Al Zutter's era, transitioning from a local feed elevator to a specialized seed supplier offering custom blends and a diverse range of seeds. Although information about Al Zutter's early life and community involvement is limited, he is remembered for his entrepreneurial leadership and for establishing a family business that has prospered and evolved across generations.
What is a Grain Elevator?
A grain elevator in a typical U.S. town is a significant facility designed for the reception, storage, and distribution of grains such as corn, wheat, or soybeans. Often the tallest structure in rural areas, these elevators are strategically situated near transportation routes. They function as central hubs where farmers deliver harvested grain, which is then weighed, sampled, and stored if it meets quality standards. Grain elevators are vital components of the agricultural supply chain, purchasing grain from farmers, storing it, and selling it in bulk. Beyond their practical role, grain elevators also serve as social and economic centers in small towns, providing a gathering place for farmers and fostering community connections. Their presence is integral to a town’s identity, and communities often preserve them as heritage sites when they are no longer operational.
In the 1980s, Elk Mound Feed & Farm Supply transitioned to Elk Mound Seed, responding to shifts in agricultural practices and the growing demand for diverse seed varieties. The company broadened its product offerings beyond traditional grains, focusing on non-native seeds and custom blends.
History of the Agricultural Seed Market in the United States
In the early 19th century, the United States government pioneered seed distribution, with the Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Patent Office initiating the distribution of seeds to farmers by 1839. The establishment of the USDA in 1862 significantly expanded these efforts, leading to the distribution of over a billion seed packages by the 20th century. This initiative fostered farmer innovation and supported decentralized seed systems. During the late 1800s, the private seed industry began to develop, initially competing with free seeds distributed by the government. The American Seed Trade Association successfully lobbied to end these government distributions by 1924, thereby promoting private enterprise. Public research continued to support private companies. The 1930s Hybrid Corn Revolution marked a transformative period in agriculture with the introduction of hybrid seeds, spurring the growth of dedicated seed companies. By the 1940s, sales of hybrid corn increased significantly, and private research efforts intensified. From the 1980s onward, advancements in biotechnology and enhanced intellectual property protections led to market consolidation. By 2018–2020, a few multinational corporations dominated seed sales, resulting in increased prices and reduced variety.
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis: U.S. Agricultural Seed Market
The U.S. seed market encounters minimal threats from new entrants due to significant barriers, including market consolidation by major firms such as Bayer and Syngenta, substantial capital and research and development requirements, strict intellectual property and regulatory challenges, and ongoing industry consolidation. Supplier bargaining power is considerable, driven by factors like supplier concentration, vertical integration, unique patented products, and farmers' dependence on these suppliers for high-performance seeds. Conversely, buyer bargaining power ranges from low to moderate, as farmers face a fragmented buyer base, limited seed options, high switching costs, and price sensitivity influenced by yield requirements. The threat of substitutes is low to moderate, with few direct alternatives for major crops and limited scalability of alternative crops. Industry rivalry is intense, characterized by high market concentration, innovation in research and development, limited price competition due to product differentiation, and the dominance of powerful brands and distribution networks by leading companies.
The U.S. seed market is experiencing rapid growth fueled by factors such as population growth, food security concerns, and increased demand for animal feed and biofuels. While major players dominate the market, further consolidation appears unlikely. Innovations in R&D are leading to seeds with enhanced traits like drought tolerance and pest resistance, prominently featuring GM and hybrid seeds, especially in corn and soybeans, where hybrids make up a majority of the market. Climate change is driving demand for resilient seeds, emphasizing sustainable agriculture. There is also a growing demand for organic and non-GMO seeds, particularly in vegetables, as consumers seek healthier food options. The organic vegetable sector is expanding due to increased acreage and premium pricing. Vegetable seeds are seeing rapid growth, driven by the demand for nutrient-rich, locally sourced foods, with farmers opting for seeds that improve nutrition and shelf life. Precision agriculture is boosting demand for zone-specific seeds, aided by digital planting and yield optimization technologies.
Elk Mound - Today
Elk Mound Seed Company offers a diverse array of agricultural products and services, including farm seeds such as corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and various grains. They specialize in providing specialty and rare non-native seeds, wildflower and native grass seeds tailored to specific regions, and vegetable seeds along with wildlife food plot seeds. The company also provides custom seed blending for personalized mixes, lawn and turf seed blends, soil fertility products, turf fertilizer, and inoculants. Over the past two decades, Elk Mound Seed has invested in significant facility upgrades, with retail store remodels in 2005 and 2017 enhancing the customer experience, and warehouse expansions in 2013 and 2020 increasing their operational footprint to nearly half an acre to support local and national distribution.
Elk Mound Seed provides a comprehensive selection of seed products for farmers in the Eau Claire region, emphasizing blends that fulfill both production and conservation requirements:
Specialty Sweet Corn Varieties: Peaches & Cream Sweet Corn is a bicolor variety for Northern climates, maturing in 70 days.
Custom Pasture and Forage Mixes: Grass Pasture Mix includes Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Alfalfa, Timothy, and Orchardgrass for grazing and hay. Horse Pasture Mix is tailored for equine needs with Kentucky Bluegrass, Alfalfa, and Timothy. Waterway Mix ensures quick establishment for erosion control.
Wildflower and Native Grass Seed Mixes: All Perennial Wildflower Seed Mix features 15–20 drought-tolerant species for ecological restoration, while Region-Specific Native Grass Mixes are designed for the Upper Midwest.
Food Plot and Wildlife Blends: Large Lad Soybeans are high-yield, glyphosate-tolerant, suitable for wildlife and livestock. Pod Haven GT Soybean Seed offers early maturity and shatter resistance for northern climates.
Custom Blending Services: Elk Mound Seed provides custom blending for specific field conditions, crop rotations, or ecological goals.
The company is owned and operated by the Zutter family.
Cody, the President, is responsible for seed purchasing, quality control, and logistics.
Adam is in charge of shipping and retail, with a strong emphasis on customer service.
Ethan, as the Warehouse Manager, oversees production and inventory.
Chris is responsible for maintaining smooth warehouse operations and cleanliness.
Tyler, the Logistics Specialist, assists with large order deliveries during peak seasons.
Closing
As Elk Mound Seed Company anticipates the future, its steadfast dedication to innovation, quality, and personalized service distinguishes it in the swiftly changing agricultural landscape. With a foundation in a rich history and leadership spanning generations, the company has adeptly adjusted to evolving market demands while preserving strong connections with the local farming community. Whether catering to large-scale producers or hobbyist growers, Elk Mound Seed’s diverse offerings and tailored solutions empower farmers throughout the region—and beyond—to confidently address the challenges of modern agriculture.
Comments