Five Million Bushels of Seed Dried!
 Burrus Seed Farms, Inc. has reached another milestone. On October 3, 2000 the firm brought in the five millionth bushel of seed the company has dried and conditioned. Yes, it seems like a long time since the first ears were harvested by the original Burrus Brothers, Roy and Wilbur Burrus. They were the first owners and operators of the diversified farm operation, where actually, hogs and cattle were more of an enterprise in those first years.
What is five million bushel of seed corn? On a given year, five million bushel is enough seed to plant about 18% of the entire United States corn crop from California to Pennsylvania from Minnesota to Texas!
" We are particularly proud for Dad," says Todd Burrus. "He has been here to help produce almost every bushel of that record." " We are very blessed to have our father serve as President and play an active role in the day to day management of our business," says Tom Burrus. "Earlier this year we celebrated Dad's 60th year since coming home from college to the family farm. There are few people who get to work at the same place and have such a positive impact for that many years. We are truly blessed."
 Burrus long term employees and dealers have made the company successful. They have a commitment to quality and efficiency that can not be equaled in the seed business today. From the head office to the person who cares for the lawn, the pride of a job well done is obvious. The enthusiasm for the success of Burrus customers is contagious.
By 1941 only a total of 15,000 bushel had been handled by the farm. Things began to happen more rapidly from 1942 through 1953. But 1954 brought disaster. High temperatures during pollination meant all the corn both seed and commercial had the tassels blast and die. No live pollen meant no crop. There was no seed harvested in 1954. By 1962, twenty six years after the start of hybrid seed production, Burrus surpassed the one millionth bushel of seed through the Arenzville, IL facility.
The second million came faster, as only 15 years later in 1977 brought the celebration. It was partly made possible by the new drier facility constructed in 1975. The drier addition was huge for its day as it meant the harvest season was shorter. The fourth four row Uniharvestor was added to cover more acres. Thus sizing could be started sooner. In effect the drier made the sizing tower capable of handling more units. Both the original drier and the new block drier were operated until 1996 when the original drier was razed. Many upgrades have been made to keep the facility growing with the growth of the company.
In 1992, major upgrades were made to the harvest system at Burrus. The drier capacity was doubled with a double pass, reversible system added. Byron sweetcorn harvestors were purchased and a new husk-sort facility was constructed. This update sped harvest again as well as protected the quality of Burrus seed. "During the years our focus has not really been on volume but rather on quality that leads to outstanding performance," says Martin Burrus. "While you can measure volume, our business is built on quality people, consistent policies and high value. Our new tag line "delivering more than just seed" states why we are confident that more records are just around the corner. Thanks to all, who continue to grow Burrus on their farms year after year. We appreciate the business."
Burrus Hybrids is a third generation family owned and operated seed business with regional distribution throughout Illinois and Missouri and the southeastern corner of Iowa. |
