Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Conifer Seedlings for Reforestation & Christmas Trees
Founded in 1941, Ifa Nurseries has dedicated over eight decades to providing high-quality conifer tree seedlings for reforestation and Christmas tree production across the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. Our expertise spans Douglas fir, western hemlock, western red cedar, true firs, and ponderosa pine, supported by a vertically integrated 'seed to seedling' system that includes cone processing, seed conditioning, storage, and custom growing. With multiple nurseries and a seasoned management team, we offer risk diversification, cost-effective production methods, and environmentally sustainable practices, including geothermal heating at our Klamath Falls facility.Recognized for our Environmental Leadership award, we prioritize client collaboration, maintaining industry-leading quality standards through shared managerial expertise and continuous innovation. Our three-tier management structure ensures contract continuity, while our seedling freezer storage services provide flexibility for optimal planting schedules. Committed to perpetuating renewable forest resources, we partner with foresters and landowners to ensure a sustainable supply of wood products for future generations.
Services
Conifer Seedlings
Cone Processing
Seed Storage
Seedling Freezer Storage
Custom Growing
Details
- Year established: 1941
Highlights and features
- We offer over 80 years of specialized experience in conifer seedling production.
- Our vertically integrated 'seed to seedling' system ensures quality control at every stage.
- We implement environmentally sustainable practices, including geothermal heating.
- Multiple nurseries provide risk diversification and custom growing capabilities.
- Three-tier management structure guarantees contract continuity and expert consultation.
Services
Conifer Seedlings
We produce genetically improved conifer seedlings including Douglas fir, western hemlock, and ponderosa pine. Our bare root and container stock ensures high survival rates for reforestation and Christmas tree farms. Seedlings undergo rigorous quality control from sowing to delivery.
Cone Processing
Our Canby Nursery processes conifer cones to extract viable seeds through mechanical extraction and manual sorting. We provide purity testing, moisture analysis, and germination assessments to ensure seed viability for large-scale reforestation projects.
Seed Storage
We maintain climate-controlled seed storage facilities with alarm systems for security. Our cold storage solutions preserve seed viability through proper temperature and humidity regulation, protecting clients' investments in breeding programs.
Seedling Freezer Storage
Our freezer storage services allow clients to store seedlings at optimal dormancy conditions. This enables flexible planting schedules while maintaining seedling health through controlled temperature environments at reduced commercial rates.
Custom Growing
We offer tailored seedling production contracts for orders exceeding 20,000 units. This includes risk diversification across multiple nurseries, single-source logistics, and specialized growing techniques to meet specific client requirements for zone-adapted stock.
People
Tom Jackman
President and CEO
Leading Ifa Nurseries since its founding in 1941, Tom Jackman oversees strategic operations with decades of forestry industry experience. He directs sustainable practices and maintains client relationships across the Pacific Northwest.
David Colgrove
Chief Financial Officer
David Colgrove manages financial operations with expertise in agricultural economics. He ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting large-scale reforestation initiatives through cost-effective production strategies.
Steve Akehurst
Marketing Manager
Steve Akehurst coordinates sales and marketing efforts, connecting clients with IFA's seedling solutions. He facilitates contract negotiations and provides technical support for custom growing programs since joining the company.
Kailee Smeltzer
Canby Nursery Manager
Kailee Smeltzer supervises Canby Nursery operations, overseeing seed processing and storage facilities. With extensive horticultural expertise, she ensures quality control for seed lab services and cold storage management.
Jacky Friedman
Klamath Falls Manager
Jacky Friedman leads Klamath Falls operations, implementing environmentally sustainable practices recognized by the 2020 Environmental Leadership Award. She manages geothermal heating systems for energy-efficient seedling production.
Questions
What species of seedlings do you offer?
We specialize in Douglas fir, western hemlock, western red cedar, true firs, and ponderosa pine seedlings for reforestation and Christmas tree production.
Do you serve areas outside the Pacific Northwest?
While our primary focus is the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, we can coordinate delivery to other regions through our distribution network.
What is your minimum order quantity?
Contract orders require a minimum of 20,000 seedlings. Spec orders have a minimum of 480 units for available stock.
Do you offer custom growing contracts?
Yes, we provide tailored seedling production contracts with risk diversification across multiple nurseries and single-source logistics solutions.
How do you ensure seedling quality?
Our three-tier management structure and shared cultural practices between nurseries maintain consistent quality standards across all production facilities.
What environmental practices do you implement?
We use geothermal heating at Klamath Falls and maintain proper seed storage conditions to minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.