PRODUCTSResearchProductionRegionHistory| Company History | |
 Standing: Frank Crookham, George L. Crookham Jr. Sitting: George L. Crookham Sr. 1968 |
George L. Crookham Sr., established Crookham Company in 1911. Upon his first visit to Idaho he
immediately realized the potential of the Treasure Valley as a major seed production area.
The Company was originally founded to meet the country's demand for popcorn. In the 1930's Crookham Company was the first company to produce hybrid sweet corn seed on a commercial scale. Shortly thereafter the company expanded into carrot and onion production. Today Southwestern Idaho and the Snake River Valley of Idaho and Oregon is known as a prime seed production area that supplies about 80% of the world's hybrid sweet corn seed and about 25% of all fresh bulb onions that are consumed in the United States. Through the years the Company has gained a reputation for its decisiveness, integrity, innovation and a high level of energy and drive. It is a company dedicated to its customers and employees alike. |
| Why Idaho | |
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Idaho's lower Snake River Valley, named the Treasure Valley, is blessed with
an abundance of well managed family farms, a more than adequate supply of
water for irrigation and four great mountain ranges. These ranges result
in one of the mildest air movement systems in the continental United States -
ideal for wind pollinated crops. Another advantage is the area's dry desert
climate, with cool nights and warm days. The dry air impedes diseases common
to areas of the country with higher humidity. The cool nights give the plants
"time to grow."
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| Research | |
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Founded in 1929, the Crookham nursery is an extensive research program
that offers various levels of breeding partnerships. In Idaho alone,
nearly 200 acres are dedicated to over 1200 inbred developments and
over 4000 hybrid evaluations each year.
We know the importance of breeding in the area of adaptation for intended use. Crookham is proudly involved in numerous breeding programs and conducts over 20 trials acres in the United States and Canada each year. With the advancement of global markets, the company also collaborates with stations in Australia, South Africa, Europe, Asia and South America. Crookham Company's research is diverse and vast. Research materials can be found on every continent except Antarctica. |
| Production | |
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Nearly 100 years of seed production experience means that Crookham Company
cannot be beat on quality and turn around. Crookham's milling process is
different than any other company. Nearly every piece of equipment is self-
built or modified at the in-house shop. Every step of the milling process
is monitored, checked and double checked. Most seed lots undergo rigorous
testing four times a year, which translates to over 3 million seeds tested
at the Crookham Lab. In addition to this, most Crookham productions undergo
isozyme genetic testing for hybrid purity. These are then followed by growouts
at the nursery for physical testing. In our popcorn division over 3000 hybrids
and inbreds are test popped every year.
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The Crookham shipping department has a reputation for efficiency that is
unsurpassed. How do we know this? Our customers tell us.
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Every person knows the importance of attending to the details and every person
takes pride in their performance. Making these assurances in every step of
the production process, from research to shipping, means that the best end
product is delivered to you.
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The Company is approaching its 100th anniversary as a family corporation. Crookham Company's purpose is quality. Detail and pride fulfill that purpose. |
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Caldwell, ID 83606-0520 USA
P: 208 459 7451
F: 208 454 2108
ccoinfo@crookham.com