Seed Today - Q1 2009 - (Page 12)

follow-up care,” says Karen Krych, sales representative. “We have a sufficiently diverse inventory so we can offer what the customer needs instead of what we happen to have in our warehouse.” Clarkston Warehouse The Clearwater Seed warehouse is located in southeastern Washington in Clarkston at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers across the bridge from Lewiston, ID. Seed arrives at the warehouse cleaned for customer delivery. A large portion of seed orders are for mixtures and blends ranging from 100 lbs. to 20,000 lbs. or more. Local ecotype seed is source identified. Native grass production is certified by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Clearwater Seed Grower-owned company defines its niche Established in 2006, Clearwater Seed is a company with experience beyond its years. Manager Mark Mustoe, along with the company’s three other owners, are all veteran grass and forb seed producers. They know the production side of the business. They also know the customer side and saw an opportunity in the seed market for a specialized company to provide high quality, higher value seed to customers who want more than low-cost commodity products. “A large majority of wholesale seed customers first negotiate for the lowest price, then bargain for the best available quality,” Mustoe says. “There is a smaller, but still substantial group of customers who specify high product quality, then negotiate for the best price. This is our niche position in the seed industry.” The decision to define its position in the market also shaped Clearwater Seed’s operation. Its inventory of available products is more diverse and more specialized than marketers who specialize in large truckload shipments. 12 First Quarter 2009 Most of Clearwater Seed’s inventory comes from a solid base of growers in North Idaho and Eastern Washington who specialize in native and introduced grasses, forbs and legumes. They also have a network of native seed gathers. “From everyone in our company, having a good knowledge of our products is an essential element of the service and support we provide to our customers,” Mustoe says. “With government contracts, there is not much room for input. Other buyers, however, rely on our knowledge to help guide them through the buying process.” Clearwater Seed Spokane, WA (office) 509-343-3108 Clarkston, WA (warehouse) 509-751-0318 www.clearwaterseed.com Key Personnel • Mark Mustoe, Manager • Danica Foland, Office administration • Aaron Hill, Shipping/receiving • Kristie Collins, Administrative assistant • Karen Krych, Sales/marketing Product Knowledge Many of the products in Clearwater’s inventory are used for reclamation or restoration after a forest fire or other event that destroyed or damaged the landscape. For these customers, ordering specialized seed blends and mixtures is not an everyday occurrence. “It is not uncommon for a customer to rely on us for information and advice about species selection, seeding rates, planting tips, maintenance, and Company Profile • Grower-owned production and marketing company specializing in native grasses, forbs, and legumes for high-end users. • Turf, native grass and forage mixes. • Native hand collected species. • Wholesale distribution (primarily). • Land reclamation seed sales to highvolume users. http://www.clearwaterseed.com http://www.clearwaterseed.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Seed Today - Q1 2009

Seed Today - Q1 2009 Contents Editor’s Notes Tri-State Seed LLC Blue Mountain Seed, Inc. Clearwater Seed According to ASTA Risa DeMasi Crystal Fricker AOSCA AOSA/SCST Oxbo International Hamer LLC Perten Insturments Taylor Products BinMaster Level Controls Dean Cavey Farmer Suicides in India: A Social Concern Unrelated to Bt Cotton Ad Index

Seed Today - Q1 2009

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.