S&W Seed Company announced that it has commenced commercial-scale production of its hybrid grain sorghum and hybrid forage sorghum operations. This marks S&W's initial entry into the "vertical production model" for sorghum, which S&W anticipates will allow it to capture a higher gross profit and move closer to the end customer of this gluten-free, non-GMO, whole grain that is projected to gain increased traction across the United States and the world for its high protein levels, excellent fiber source and other nutritional benefits. This move to a "vertical production model" within hybrid grain and hybrid forage sorghum builds upon S&W's currently deployed "royalty licensing model" for these crops, and aligns S&W's operations more closely with the company's existing alfalfa seed operations. S&W anticipates producing seed that will be sold directly to existing and new distributors under both branded and private label programs. S&W acquired the operations of SV Genetics ("SVG") sorghum program in May 2016 with the goal of advancing deployment of the proprietary high-yielding, disease resistance germplasm worldwide. The company has royalty-based licensing agreements with 12 partners in 9 countries that are currently increasing production, and commencing commercial-scale production of hybrid grain sorghum and hybrid forage sorghum operations is the first step in the company embarking on its dual strategy to expand vertically as well.