When it comes to testing seed, you’re after many answers, but the bottom line is always “Is this seed fit for use?” When it comes to soil, you don’t have the choice on whether or not to use it — but you can use soil sampling and testing to inform your management and put a… Read More
Category: The Seedpod
Simply put, Seed Synergy is described as a process, not an entity. Those familiar with the inner workings of the seed industry have heard about Seed Synergy for quite some time, but those further out — and those on the farm — likely haven’t heard much. As Dan Wright, president of Canadian Seed Trade Association, explains… Read More
Alberta has a unique part of the seed value chain in its Alberta Seed Processors organization. For many towns, the seed plant has been an integral part of the town’s economy and, in some cases, even helped build the town. As Monica Klaas, with the Alberta Seed Processors, explains, though, the role of the seed… Read More
Farming is evolving into such a precise business, it only makes sense that soil, seed, and tissue testing and analysis all happen under one roof. That’s the thinking behind SGS Biovision — a new company formed when SGS bought Biovision Seed Labs late in 2017. The lab offers farmers a one-stop-shop for testing and diagnostics…. Read More
Aphanomyces is a soil-borne water mold thatcauses devastating root rots in pulses, especially pea and lentil crops. Unfortunately for farmers, the aphanomyces spores can live in the soil for 10 years, and thrive under wet conditions. That means, not only has this root rot advanced rapidly across many areas of Saskatchewan and Alberta, but it’s… Read More
The seed growing season doesn’t really end at harvest. Once a seed crop is harvested the grower needs to condition and clean the seed to get the lot sample up to a certified grade. Seed cleaning plants have many shapes and sizes, but the overall process is the same — taking the harvested crop and sifting out… Read More
Agriculture is big business, but a small industry, if you think about the number of people involved. Within each sector, that number shrinks significantly, and, at times, trying to communicate the needs of one sector can be tough when you’re few in number. The seed industry has faced that challenge for quite some time, and,… Read More
As the calendar spins into 2017, we reflect that the 2016 harvest was one farmers will not soon forget. As spring gets closer, farmers need to consider ensuring they have the appropriate seed quality suitable for planting. Shaun Haney talks to Holly Gelech, Biovsion Seed Labs about the quality of the 2016 harvest from a… Read More
In this episode, we wanted to take you on an exploration of the global seed industry and compare it back to Canada. Since everything starts with seed, gaining an understanding of how other countries function allows us to understand our own system better. See past SeedPod episodes In episode 7 of the SeedPod, I chat… Read More
According to data gathered by Thomson Reuters, 2015 was a banner year for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), generating $4.7 trillion in announced deals. It’s no surprise to those of us in agriculture, who witnessed a wave of mergers, including the surprising union of Dow AgroSciences and DuPont Pioneer. “You have to start by realizing M&A is constant,… Read More