Interlake Forage Seeds Ltd. (IFS) is located in Fisher Branch, Manitoba. North of Winnipeg, and between two large freshwater lakes, Fisher Branch is an agricultural based community.
IFS works with experienced forage seed growers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Together we produce high quality seeds to some of the most demanding specifications in the industry. We have unparalleled production expertise in the production of alfalfa seed. We are successful in multiplying proprietary 99.90% purity alfalfa and we have the ability to multiply up to 7 dormancy alfalfa. Our multi-leaf alfalfa varieties have high relative feed values; their dark green colour and high multi-leaf expression are our selling features.
Our vision is to foster a sustainable forage seed industry in Manitoba. We recognize that our environment is fragile and that both native species, and tame forage species have an important role to play in keeping our land and water healthy.
IFS is also a leader in birdsfoot trefoil seed production. We strive to maintain a close working relationship with our growers to overcome the problems associated with the production of this dynamic seed crop. IFS is also devoted to native species and medicinal plant development. We work with specialized growers in the production of these grasses and forbs. Our newest research effort is to develop agronomy systems for certified organic forage seed production for the international market. We are proud to use CSI (Canadian Seed Institute) as our primary certifier. We have over a dozen experienced organic seed growers in this industry. Although there have been challenges in the production of many forage species, we do have many success stories with organic timothy, alfalfa, double cut red clover and sweet clover.
IFS exports seed to several locations in the US, Europe and Asia. Our forages are used in hay and pasture lands. Our seed is known for yield, quality, and persistence. Many of our forages have been multiplied locally, and have proven to withstand harsh winters. Our native seeds are used for riparian area management, and reclamation projects in many different projects globally.
Locally, we have much work to do with Lake Winnipeg, which is in a worsening eutrophic state: we envision local towns using riparian species for mitigating the nutrient levels in their sewage effluent, and farmers using grassed drainages, to reduce damage downstream in their respective watersheds.