Seed World Podcast: Recent Episodes
Alex Martin
On this week’s Seed World podcast, McGill University PhD candidate Neha Paserkar explains how genomics, transcriptomics and climate research are helping breeders develop disease-resistant crops for the future.As climate change reshapes growing conditions around the world, scientists are beginning to ask a question that could have major implications for agriculture: Will crops defend themselves against disease the same way they do in the future as they do today?
That’s the focus of the latest episode of the Seed World Podcast, featuring Neha Paserkar, a PhD candidate in plant science at McGill University and one of this year’s recipients of the Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation Scholarship.
Paserkar’s research centres on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, better known as white mold, one of the most persistent and economically important diseases affecting crops including canola, soybean, sunflower and dry beans.
“The pathogen produces structures called sclerotia that can survive in the soil for years,” Paserkar explains on the podcast. “That makes it very difficult to manage.”
But her work goes well beyond understanding today’s disease pressure. She’s investigating how rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels could alter the molecular interactions between plants and pathogens, potentially changing how disease resistance works in future crop varieties.
“We assume that the way the plant and the pathogen react today, they won’t respond the same way in the future or under higher carbon dioxide conditions,” she says. “This research will help us understand how to make crops more climate resilient.”
To answer those questions, Paserkar combines greenhouse research with genome-wide association studies, transcriptomics and bioinformatics to identify genes linked to disease resistance. The goal is to provide plant breeders with better tools to develop resistant varieties more efficiently.
“The genomics helps identify genomic regions associated with important traits, while transcriptomics shows what is happening at the gene level,” she says. “Combining these approaches gives more precise results that can directly help plant breeders develop more resistant cultivars.”
The episode also explores Paserkar’s personal journey into plant breeding. Originally pursuing a PhD in China, her research was interrupted when COVID-19 border closures prevented her from returning to complete her experiments. Rather than abandoning her work, she spent that time building expertise in genomics and bioinformatics before restarting her research at McGill.
“It taught me that you should be ready for uncertainty and be resilient and flexible enough for whatever comes next,” she says.
That experience also shaped her view of the future of plant science, where researchers must combine traditional breeding knowledge with advanced data analysis.
“For future scientists, it’s equally important to understand molecular biology and greenhouse experiments while also learning data-driven techniques,” she says. “Together, they help us solve increasingly complex problems.”
Despite the challenges, Paserkar says her motivation remains simple: helping agriculture become more sustainable.
“If you tackle disease resistance, you can directly improve crop production,” she says. “That contributes to sustainable agriculture and strengthens our food system.”
The episode offers listeners an inside look at the next generation of plant breeding research—and why preparing crops for tomorrow’s climate begins with understanding how plants respond to today’s changing environment.
The Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation Scholarship is made possible by Alberta Grains, the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association, FP Genetics, HyTech Production, Richardson, SaskWheat Development Commission, SeCan, Seeds Canada, Seed World Canada, and Warburtons.
The post Can Crops Keep Fighting White Mold in a Changing Climate? appeared first on Seed World.
At just 25, Anirup Sengupta is using genomics, AI, and predictive breeding tools to help plant breeders develop more resilient crops — without losing sight of the farmers those innovations are meant to serve.When Anirup Sengupta talks about plant breeding on this week’s episode of the Seed World Canada Podcast, he reaches for an analogy almost anyone can understand.
“Without a reference genome,” he says, “breeding is a bit like trying to assemble a massive puzzle without seeing the picture on the box.”
It’s a fitting description of the challenge he has chosen to tackle as a PhD student at the University of Saskatchewan, where he works with the Crop Development Centre and the Global Institute for Food Security. Originally from West Bengal, India, Sengupta is one of three recipients of the 2026 Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation Scholarship, an award recognizing graduate students advancing the future of plant breeding and genetics.
His research focuses on cicer milkvetch, a perennial forage legume valued for its nutritional quality and ability to reduce frothy bloat in grazing livestock. Despite those advantages, the crop has never reached its full potential because of poor germination, weak seedling establishment, and limited genomic resources.
“My research is about providing plant breeders with a much more detailed roadmap to improve crops faster and more efficiently,” Sengupta says.
The cornerstone of that roadmap is the crop’s first reference genome—a complete genetic blueprint that allows researchers to identify genes associated with traits such as seedling vigour, forage yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance.
But that’s only part of the picture.
Sengupta is also analyzing the crop’s genetic diversity and applying genomic selection, an increasingly important tool that uses DNA markers and predictive models to identify promising breeding lines long before years of field testing are complete.
“Instead of waiting several growing seasons,” he explains, “breeders can make decisions much earlier, save a lot of time and resources in the breeding program, and help accelerate genetic gains.”
The Next Generation of Plant BreedingTraditional breeding remains the foundation of crop improvement, but today’s breeders have access to tools previous generations could scarcely imagine.
For Sengupta, the future lies in combining—not replacing—those approaches.
“The future of crop improvement would be to combine the strengths of traditional breeding, the breeders’ knowledge and expertise, with genomics, AI, and big data approaches,” he says. “It is not basically replacing the breeders. It is giving them much more precise tools to make faster and smarter decisions.”
That philosophy reflects a broader transformation happening across agriculture, where advances in sequencing technology, computational biology, machine learning, and environmental data are making breeding increasingly predictive rather than purely observational.
Curiosity Before TechnologyDespite publishing scientific papers, presenting internationally, and earning conference awards early in his career, Sengupta doesn’t attribute his success to technical ability alone.
“I think one of the biggest factors that drives me is curiosity and consistency,” he says. “Research can be challenging because results don’t always work the way you want them to work, but having this curiosity kind of helps you stay motivated.”
That curiosity extends well beyond the laboratory. Conferences, outreach, teaching, and leadership roles have all become essential parts of his development as a scientist.
“A lot of growth happens outside the regular coursework or experiments,” he says.
Yet he also offers a note of caution for young researchers eager to embrace every new technology.
“As young researchers, we naturally get excited about new technologies,” Sengupta says. “But sometimes that can lead to a situation where we almost have a solution looking for a problem.”
Instead, he believes the science should always begin with the biological question.
“It’s better to start with the important biological or agricultural questions first,” he says. “Technology is a tool. It’s not the final objective of your work.”
Bridging Biology and DataModern plant scientists increasingly work at the intersection of field biology and computational science.
For Sengupta, success depends on understanding both.
“Agriculture is ultimately field-driven,” he says. “At the same time, genomics and computational biology are giving us incredibly powerful tools to understand plant traits at a much deeper level. We need both perspectives working hand in hand with each other.”
That balance ensures that sophisticated genomic predictions remain grounded in real-world agricultural challenges rather than existing only on a computer screen.
Science That Farmers Can UseEqually important is communication.
“Research only creates impact when people understand and apply it,” Sengupta says. “As researchers, we often work with highly technical concepts, but ultimately our work affects farmers, industry, policymakers, students, and the public.”
It’s why he has devoted time to teaching, graduate student leadership, mentoring, and outreach throughout his academic career. Explaining science clearly, he believes, makes both the research—and the researcher—better.
Looking AheadAs sequencing becomes less expensive and computational tools become more accessible, Sengupta believes plant genomics is entering a new era.
“We are entering a period where plant science is becoming far more precise, predictive, and connected than ever before,” he says.
The implications extend well beyond any single crop.
“Plant genomics will not solve everything on its own,” Sengupta says, “but I believe it will be one of the most important tools that helps agriculture adapt to the challenges that we are facing in the real world right now.”
Looking ahead, he sees enormous promise in the convergence of genomics, artificial intelligence, and increasingly accessible sequencing technologies.
“We are entering a period where plant science is becoming far more precise, predictive, and connected than ever before,” he says. “Advances in plant genomics are giving us the ability to understand crops at an incredibly detailed level—from individual genes all the way to how plants interact with changing environments.”
Those advances, he believes, won’t simply produce better crops. They could reshape how agriculture responds to some of its biggest challenges, from climate change to global food security.
“Plant genomics will not solve everything on its own,” Anirup says, “but I believe it will be one of the most important tools that helps agriculture adapt to the challenges we are facing in the real world right now.”
The Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation Scholarship is made possible by Alberta Grains, the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association, FP Genetics, HyTech Production, Richardson, SaskWheat Development Commission, SeCan, Seeds Canada, Seed World Canada, and Warburtons.
The post The Scholarship Winner Helping Rewrite the Future of Crop Genetics appeared first on Seed World.
From his early studies in China to leading oat breeding efforts in Canada, Yan has built a career dedicated to helping breeders make better decisions and develop stronger crops for changing environments.Few people embody that reality better than Dr. Weikai Yan, recipient of the 2026 Plant Breeding and Genetics Award, sponsored by Seed World Canada and Seeds Canada.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Yan has worked across China, the United States and Canada, building a reputation not only as an accomplished oat breeder but also as one of the world’s leading experts on genotype-by-environment interaction — the complex relationship between genetics and growing conditions that influences crop performance.
Yan’s journey into plant breeding began in China, where he studied plant breeding as an undergraduate before pursuing graduate studies and working alongside some of the country’s leading crop scientists. Opportunities at Cornell University and later the University of Guelph deepened his interest in genotype-by-environment interaction, a field that would become central to his research career.
Since joining Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Ottawa, Yan has helped lead Canada’s oat breeding efforts while developing analytical tools and methodologies that have been adopted by plant breeders around the world.
While many researchers are best known for either the varieties they develop or the scientific advances they create, Yan points to both as defining contributions. His breeding program has released numerous oat cultivars adapted to different production regions, while his research has helped breeders better understand how crops respond to varying environments and management conditions.
Looking ahead, Yan sees technologies such as genomic selection, phenomics and artificial intelligence playing increasingly important roles in crop improvement. These tools, he says, can help breeders make better decisions earlier in the breeding process and improve the efficiency of breeding programs.
At the same time, he believes technology will complement—not replace—the expertise of plant breeders.
“Human plant breeders are still essential,” Yan says. “They have to ask the right questions and judge whether the results are valid.”
Despite advances in technology, Yan says one challenge remains unchanged: the need for long-term investment. Plant breeding requires patience, sustained funding and a commitment to future outcomes. As climate variability increases and expectations from growers and end users continue to rise, that commitment will become even more important.
Yan’s career serves as a reminder that plant breeding is about more than developing new varieties. It is about creating knowledge, building tools and helping future generations of breeders solve increasingly complex challenges.
The post A Lifetime in Plant Breeding: Dr. Weikai Yan Honoured for Four Decades of Scientific Leadership appeared first on Seed World.
A single-star evaluation helped save a breeding line that would go on to transform yellow pea production across Western Canada.Some crop varieties achieve instant success. Others succeed because someone gave them one more chance.
That was the case for CDC Meadow, the yellow pea variety developed at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC) and named 2026 Seed of the Year. Released in 2006, CDC Meadow went on to become one of the most widely grown yellow pea varieties in Canadian history, helping drive the growth of Canada’s pulse industry for nearly two decades.
According to breeder Dr. Tom Warkentin, the variety’s commercial uptake was remarkably fast. After seed multiplication, CDC Meadow became the most widely grown yellow pea variety in Western Canada by 2011. While it initially gained traction in Saskatchewan, Alberta eventually became its strongest market thanks in part to its slightly earlier maturity.
The story of CDC Meadow began long before its release. The original cross was made in 1996 by Dr. Bert Vandenberg, years before Warkentin joined the CDC. From there, the breeding line moved through years of testing and selection, supported by researchers, technical staff, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, and seed growers across the Prairies.
But the variety nearly didn’t make it.
Two years before entering cooperative trials, the breeding line — known then as 6538 — had a solid but unspectacular season. Warkentin’s evaluation gave it one star instead of two, enough to keep it moving forward. Had it received no stars, it likely would have been discarded.
The following year, it rose to the top of the trial results.
“It’s sort of okay, but not outstanding in that one particular year,” Warkentin recalled. “The next year it was right at the top of the pack.”
Today, CDC Meadow is recognized not only for its commercial success but also for what it represents about plant breeding. While modern breeders now use tools such as DNA markers, near-infrared spectroscopy, and genomic selection, Warkentin says the fundamentals remain the same: making crosses, evaluating thousands of plots, and selecting the best material in the field.
Looking ahead, one of the biggest priorities for pea breeding is improving resistance to root rot diseases, particularly Aphanomyces root rot. Warkentin says several promising lines are currently advancing through trials and could help improve resistance while maintaining the yield and quality growers expect.
For young breeders hoping to develop the next breakthrough variety, his advice is straightforward: get out of the office and into the field.
“Don’t miss a season. Don’t miss a crossing cycle. Just keep at it.”
CDC Meadow’s recognition as the 2026 Seed of the Year is a fitting tribute to a variety that helped shape Canadian pea production. And perhaps the most remarkable part of its story is that it all hinged on a single decision—a breeding line that earned one star instead of none.
Sometimes innovation only needs one more chance.
The post How CDC Meadow Became One of Canada’s Most Successful Yellow Pea Varieties appeared first on Seed World.
Canada’s wheat and barley breeding system is facing a critical turning point, as major farm organizations, universities and industry stakeholders are discussing the optimal future for cereal breeding in Western Canada.
This month, a coalition that includes the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC), the Canadian Barley Research Coalition, Seeds Canada and Prairie universities released a joint vision statement calling for stronger collaboration, long-term investment and greater integration of advanced breeding technologies.
The effort comes amid growing concern about Canada’s ability to maintain public breeding capacity and remain competitive in global crop innovation. Industry groups have warned that cuts to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research capacity could threaten the country’s long-term position in wheat breeding.
At the centre of the discussion is a key question: how can Canada continue delivering the next generation of high-performing wheat and barley varieties farmers need to stay profitable and competitive?
For Jocelyn Velestuk, chair of the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition and a Saskatchewan farmer, the answer starts with collaboration.
“We had all the major players in the wheat breeding sector at the table, which is a really important step as we move forward,” Velestuk says on the latest episode of the Seed World Canada podcast. The resulting vision statement and guiding principles outline priorities including attracting public and private investment, improving farmer choice and ensuring sustainable returns on investment.
Velestuk says the conversation is especially important at a time when farmers are dealing with tight margins, evolving pest pressures and increasing production risks.
“We need a wheat breeding innovation system in Canada that can keep up with that and really keep providing those tools to farmers,” she says, pointing to innovations such as midge-tolerant wheat as examples of the value modern breeding can deliver.
While the long-term structure of the system is still being discussed, industry leaders say more stakeholders will be brought into the conversation in the months ahead. The broader goal is to build a system capable of attracting talent, supporting innovation and delivering measurable results for producers.
Despite the challenges, Velestuk remains optimistic.
“An inflection point is how I look at it,” she said. “We’re at a point right now where we can make those changes and create something better.”
The post Why Canadian Farmers are Leading Discussions on a New Wheat Breeding Model appeared first on Seed World.
The vice chair of the House agriculture committee says witness testimony made it clear: planned federal research facility closures would have lasting impacts on Canadian agriculture. The future of agricultural research in Canada is facing a critical moment — and a new report from the House of Commons agriculture committee is putting that debate squarely in the spotlight.
On the latest episode of the Seed World Canada Podcast, Alberta MP and vice chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food John Barlow explains why committee members from all parties came together to recommend reversing planned closures of several Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facilities.
According to Barlow, the committee’s recommendation was driven by overwhelming testimony from industry stakeholders, researchers, and witnesses who warned that shutting down these facilities could have lasting consequences for Canadian agriculture. Witnesses argued the closures would weaken innovation, reduce competitiveness, and even threaten food security. The concern, Barlow explains, was nearly unanimous among those who appeared before the committee.
One of the biggest issues raised during hearings was the loss of long-term, location-specific research. Many of the facilities targeted for closure have been conducting work for decades in regions chosen for their unique soil types, climates, and agricultural conditions.
Witnesses stressed that this kind of research cannot simply be moved elsewhere without losing valuable continuity and relevance. The committee also heard concerns about losing experienced scientists and the institutional knowledge built over generations.
But the conversation goes beyond simply keeping buildings open. The committee also discussed how federal research dollars could be used more effectively, how innovation outcomes should be measured, and how research could better translate into commercial opportunities for Canadian agriculture. Barlow notes that stakeholders repeatedly emphasized the need for clearer benchmarks, stronger accountability, and better pathways for turning public research into market-ready innovation.
Now, attention turns to the federal government’s response. Ottawa has 45 days to answer to the committee’s recommendations, and Barlow says he hopes the first step will be an immediate pause on the planned closures while the government reassesses its decision. The report, supported by members from all parties — sends what Barlow describes as a united message about the importance of preserving Canada’s agricultural research capacity.
The post John Barlow on the Fight to Save Canada’s Ag Research Facilities appeared first on Seed World.
Why promising research fails to reach the market, and what leaders say needs to change.Canada isn’t struggling to generate ideas. It’s struggling to make them matter.
That’s the core challenge facing the country’s seed and ag innovation system, according to Nancy Tout, interim CEO of the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS).
“We’re incredibly strong at generating innovation,” Tout says. “But we need to spend more time thinking about the output side of that equation.”
Canada’s ecosystem is packed with strengths — universities, public breeding programs, private companies. But those assets aren’t translating into impact at the pace they should. The issue isn’t capability. It’s connection.
The Gap Between Discovery and DeliveryTout points to the “valley of death” (the gap between research success and real-world adoption) as a persistent weak spot.
“An integrated system looks at discovery right through to commercialization,” she says. “Right now, we have a fractured system that works really well together, but we’re only as strong as the sum of our parts.”
Canada excels at funding research. But too often, promising ideas stall before reaching farmers.
“We have a disproportionate focus on the input side,” Tout says. “Where we’re falling short is delivering impact into the marketplace.”
Strong Pieces, Weak SystemThe challenge is structural. Canada’s innovation ecosystem is made up of high-performing but disconnected parts.
“I often think about our system as full of rich assets,” Tout says. “But if you look at it as a whole pipeline, from discovery through delivery, you operate in a different mindset.”
Without that system-wide view, efforts to fix gaps risk being rushed and fragmented.
“I worry we’re trying to solve things too quickly with a short-term lens,” she says. “We may make decisions that don’t have long-term impact.”
What Gets Measured MattersOne of the most overlooked issues, Tout argues, is measurement.
“Turning innovation into real-world impact starts with system-wide measurements and KPIs aligned to that impact,” she says.
Without shared metrics, different parts of the system optimize for different outcomes.
“If we’re measuring different things, we’re incentivizing different behaviors,” she adds. “And ultimately funding different results.”
From Good to GreatCanada isn’t starting from zero. In fact, its strength is part of the problem.
“We’re all doing good things,” Tout says. “But we need to move from good to great.”
The opportunity lies in better leveraging what already exists — talent, infrastructure, and data — across institutional and provincial boundaries.
A more modern approach to innovation, she adds, also means building interdisciplinary teams that go beyond traditional models.
Designing for ImpactFor Tout, the path forward comes down to intentional design.
“We need to intentionally fund that valley of death, not just discovery,” she says. “And align incentives from discovery through to impact.”
That includes stronger public-private-producer collaboration and a clearer focus on execution, not just ideas.
A Shared PurposeUltimately, the shift is as much cultural as it is structural.
“We have to build intentional bridges,” Tout says. “When people see a shared opportunity, they rally around it.”
That starts with a common goal; one that pushes beyond institutional silos.
“We have to figure out something bigger than the sum of our parts,” she says. “When we create space for ideas and data to flow, great things can happen.”
The post The “Valley of Death” in Canadian Ag Innovation appeared first on Seed World.
In the latest Seed World Podcast, Reinheimer explains why Canada risks falling behind globally — and what must change to protect innovation.Canada has long punched above its weight in plant breeding — especially in wheat, where its global reputation for quality and performance is firmly established. But as Jason Reinheimer explains in this week’s Seed World Podcast, past success doesn’t guarantee future leadership.
In a timely and thought-provoking conversation, Reinheimer — currently head of cereals and pulses research at Limagrain Field Seeds and soon to be CEO of the Global Institute for Food Security — unpacks a growing challenge: Canada’s innovation system is at a crossroads.
While Canadian breeding has historically been driven by strong public investment, that model is under pressure. Tightening budgets and limited mechanisms for private return are making the country less attractive for global investment compared to competitors like Australia, France and Germany. The result? Fewer companies, fewer opportunities, and increasing risk of talent and innovation flowing elsewhere.
Reinheimer points to a clear global trend: when public funding declines, successful breeding nations adopt value capture systems that allow breeders to earn a return on their innovations. Canada, he argues, has the tools — including models like the Variety Use Agreement — but needs the will to act.
The stakes are high. Without change, Canada risks falling behind not because of a lack of expertise, but because of hesitation.
This episode goes beyond theory. It’s a candid look at what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to happen next — from industry leadership to farmer engagement — to secure the future of plant breeding innovation in Canada.
The post Canada’s Plant Breeding System at a Crossroads, Says Incoming GIFS CEO Jason Reinheimer appeared first on Seed World.
Balancing tradition and innovation remains the key challenge in building a sustainable breeding ecosystem.Canada’s top plant breeders’ rights official is stepping onto the global stage — and he’s bringing a clear message about innovation with him to the new episode of the Seed World Canada podcast.
Anthony Parker, commissioner of Canada’s Plant Breeders’ Rights Office, has been named the new president of UPOV, the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. For Parker, the role is both a personal milestone and a chance to reinforce the importance of intellectual property in agriculture at a time of rapid technological change.
UPOV’s core mission — promoting plant variety protection — remains central to driving investment, competition and food security, Parker says. But its longevity comes from its ability to evolve alongside science. From genetic modification to gene editing, the organization continually updates its frameworks to reflect new realities while maintaining incentives for innovation.
That adaptability is already showing results in Canada. Strengthened plant breeders’ rights and policy changes, such as accepting foreign data, have helped unlock significant growth in sectors like greenhouse vegetables, where applications for new varieties have surged dramatically.
Still, challenges remain. One of the biggest is balancing long-standing farm practices, like saving seed, with the need to ensure breeders are fairly compensated. Parker emphasizes that sustainable innovation depends on shifting mindsets and building systems that reward investment from both public and private sectors.
Change, however, can’t be rushed. Parker stresses that meaningful progress requires collaboration across producers, breeders and policymakers — and the patience to get it right.
In the end, the future of agricultural innovation won’t be shaped by science alone, but by the policies, incentives and shared understanding that support it.
The post Innovation in Agriculture Depends on Plant Breeders’ Rights, Says UPOV President appeared first on Seed World.
From relocation decisions to talent retention, Lori Oatway of Western Crop Innovations outlines the human side of research system changes.News of the planned closure of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Lacombe research station earlier this year is prompting reflection across Canada’s agricultural sector, particularly around research capacity, collaboration and long-term expertise.
In a new Seed World Podcast conversation, Lori Oatway, quality research scientist with Western Crop Innovations (WCI) in Lacombe, Alta., shares how the change is being felt at both a professional and community level.
Oatway, who both lives and works in Lacombe, said the news was difficult given the longstanding relationships tied to the station.
“These are people that we’ve worked with for 30 years, maybe even longer,” she says. “They’re friends, they’re colleagues… it’s a huge blow to our community.”
She noted that Canada’s agricultural research system is highly interconnected. Research conducted at one location often supports programs across the country, making closures difficult to absorb.
“We don’t just stand alone; our research goes throughout Canada,” she explains. “We don’t know how we’re going to replace that, or the people.”
The timing adds complexity. After several years of transition, Western Crop Innovations has recently reached a more stable footing, with clearer funding and direction. At the same time, the Lacombe closure introduces new uncertainty.
“We feel like we’re in a spot where we see a path forward,” Oatway says. “And then this comes, and you’re kind of asking all over again — how are we going to make this work?”
A key concern is the potential loss of expertise built over decades. Oatway emphasizes that research programs rely heavily on people, not just infrastructure.
“We’re hoping there’s a path forward for most of them,” she says. “Because these programs have taken decades to build.”
Oatway also brings a producer perspective. Alongside her husband, she grows seed in Lacombe, helping move new varieties from breeder seed into commercial production. That connection reinforces the importance of practical outcomes.
“It’s not just your farm — it’s everybody’s farm,” she says. “You have to think beyond what works for you.”
The closure is also affecting individuals directly, as researchers consider whether to relocate or leave their roles. That reality raises broader questions about the future of agricultural careers in Canada.
“Agriculture is a small community,” Oatway says. “But is it getting too small? Where are the opportunities for young people coming in?”
While the full impact of the closure is still unfolding, the conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a strong, connected research system to support innovation across Canadian agriculture.
To hear more from Lori Oatway, listen to the full conversation on the Seed World Podcast.
The post Lacombe Closure Puts Spotlight on Canada’s Agricultural Research Workforce appeared first on Seed World.
Dan Wright explains why current models are falling short — and how new approaches like the Variety Use Agreement could change the game.Canada’s seed industry is at a crossroads—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
At the Prairie Grain Development Committee meetings, new Seeds Canada CEO Dan Wright didn’t mince words: without better funding for innovation, Canadian farmers risk falling behind globally.
So what’s the solution?
The Real Problem No One Talks AboutPlant breeders are doing the hard work developing higher-yielding, disease-resistant crops, but they’re often only paid once for their innovation.
After that? Farmers can reuse seed, and breeders see little return.
That’s a problem when:
- Disease pressure is increasing
- Crop challenges are getting tougher
- Innovation is more expensive than ever
A New Approach: The VUAEnter the Variety Use Agreement (VUA).
It’s simple:
- Farmers can still save seed
- But if they reuse it, they pay a small royalty
- Breeders get paid as long as their product delivers value
Think of it as a pay-for-performance model for seed innovation.
Why This Matters Right NowGlobal companies are watching Canada.
If they can’t capture value here, they may invest elsewhere.
And that means:
- Fewer new varieties
- Slower innovation
- Canadian farmers losing their competitive edge
The Bottom LineThere’s no silver bullet, but doing nothing isn’t an option.
The future of Canadian agriculture depends on:
- Smarter funding models
- Industry-wide collaboration
- And real conversations—happening right now
Want the full story?Hear Dan Wright break it down on the latest Seed World podcast.
The post Seed Innovation in Canada: The Funding Problem No One Can Ignore appeared first on Seed World.
As he retires at the end of the month, a leading Canadian plant pathologist shares insights on legacy, mentorship and the real-world impact of crop disease science.Dr. Kelly Turkington has spent more than four decades studying the diseases that shape Western Canadian crops, but ask him about his career, and he’ll tell you it’s really about people.
In the latest episode of the Seed World Canada podcast, Turkington — longtime plant pathologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lacombe, Alta. — reflects on a career that helped farmers better understand and manage crop disease, often saving them thousands of dollars in the process.
From his early days as a University of Saskatchewan student inspired by a single plant pathology class, to years spent scouting fields on his hands and knees in rural Saskatchewan, Turkington’s story is one of curiosity, humility and connection. Along the way, he built a reputation not just as a scientist, but as someone who listens — whether to farmers, agronomists or colleagues.
In this conversation, Turkington opens up about the realities of a life in agricultural research — the importance of mentorship, the challenge of public speaking, and the camaraderie that makes the work meaningful. He also shares candid reflections on impact: those moments in the field when a simple conversation leads to better decisions and measurable results for farmers.
Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Kelly Turkington on the Seed World Canada podcast.
The post Plant Pathology, Farmers and 40 Years in Ag: Dr. Kelly Turkington’s Story appeared first on Seed World.
It’s rare that the seed sector and the music industry overlap, but Anton van Doornmalen, Rijk Zwaan’s co-owner, chairman of its supervisory board and a singer-songwriter on the side, is changing that. For van Doornmalen, music is more than a way to unwind after a day in the office — it’s his way of sharing knowledge and passion for the vegetable seed industry.
Van Doornmalen’s album “Seed Songs” describes the positive atmosphere and feeling of togetherness that he says the seed industry delivers. Songs like “We are just seedsmen” explain what it’s like to work as a seedsman, as well as talking about the goals and challenges in the industry. The song was written by van Doornmalen and is his take on the famous Paul Simon song “The Boxer”.
“With my songs, I want to capture feelings,” says van Doornmalen. “A feeling can remain in the songs forever.”
During the 2024 World Seed Congress hosted by the International Seed Federation (ISF), van Doornmalen performed his song, aptly called “ISF”. Some might remember originally hearing the song at the 1996 World Seed Congress in Amsterdam.
“For me, it was very special to perform at the ISF in front of so many longtime companions, competitors and friends,” he says.
Besides the new version of the song, Anton played “Passion in Seed”, originally composed for Hiroshi Sakata and the 100th anniversary of the Sakata Seed Corporation.
“This reflects the good atmosphere in the vegetable seed industry,” he says.
One of Van Doornmalen’s newest songs is “We are One”, written to celebrate Rijk Zwaan’s 100th anniversary. The song connects all of Rijk Zwaan’s subsidiaries and is accompanied by the European Pop Orchestra, a symphony orchestra specializing in pop music. Van Doornmalen has released nine multi-lingual albums that include over 50 songs sung in Dutch, English and German. All of van Doornmalen’s music can be streamed on Spotify or found on YouTube. The “ISF” music video created for the 2024 ISF conference can be found here, and the song can be downloaded for free here. Under this link you can find additional information about van Doornmalen’s music.
All of van Doornmalen’s concerts have a charitable purpose, supporting the foundation Sibusiso, which helps mentally and physically handicapped children in Tanzania. “With my performances, I can share these feelings to the audience — and I can do something good at the same time,” he says.
The post Singing for the Seed Industry appeared first on Seed World.
At the recent meetings of the Prairie Grain Development Committee, Seed World Canada sat down with Howard Love, lead scientist for Mustard 21 in Saskatoon, to talk about his extensive history in the ag industry, where mustard is as a crop and where it’s going in the future.
The crop is hugely important to Canada, which is one of the world’s top exporters of mustard grain. Mustard 21’s primary goal is to ensure that mustard remains a competitive crop on the Prairies.
“Currently, the economics of mustard cultivation are in our favour. The price of mustard per pound makes it significantly more profitable than canola, especially when comparing the return per bushel. This difference in pricing structure underscores the financial appeal of mustard farming,” Love says.
Market dynamics, however, are not static.
Many producers see mustard as a viable alternative in various regions, Love notes in a wide-ranging conversation. Yet, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about crop rotations to mitigate the risk of volunteer canola intrusion. Mustard 21 is actively addressing these concerns to safeguard the long-term sustainability of mustard farming.
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Greg and Sarah Stamp of Stamp Seeds have been chosen as the 2023 winners of the Alberta/NWT Outstanding Young Farmers Program. Among four nominees, the dynamic couple secured the coveted title, recognized for their exceptional contributions to the agricultural industry. The prestigious event took place in conjunction with AgSmart in Olds, Alta. this week.
Stamp Seeds and Stamp Farms is a second-generation pedigreed seed farm and seed retailer based in Enchant. Working in tandem with Greg are his brothers, Nathan Stamp and Matthew Stamp, managing the operations of the farm. With a team of 19 full-time staff and an additional eight to nine seasonal or summer students, the Stamps cultivate 5,000 acres of irrigation and 2,000 acres of dryland, focusing on producing 95% of their crops for seed.
Recognizing Excellence in Young Farmers
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program seeks to celebrate and recognize young farmers who exemplify excellence in their profession. Eligible nominees must be farm operators aged between 18 and 39, deriving a minimum of two-thirds of their income from farm operations. The program holds seven regional recognition events annually, and from each region, one farming couple is selected to represent at the national recognition event.
The Judging Criteria
At the national event, the seven honorees undergo assessment by a panel of judges, who evaluate their achievements based on specific criteria. The evaluation includes assessing the progress made throughout their farming careers, the extent of their implementation of soil, water, and energy conservation practices, their crop and livestock production history, financial and management practices, and their contributions to the well-being of the community, province, and nation.
During AgSmart, Marc Zienkiewicz had the opportunity to catch up with Greg and Sarah Stamp to talk about the value of the program. Their story of perseverance, sustainability, and progress in the farming industry struck a chord with many attendees.
The couple highlighted the importance of sustainability, progress, and overcoming challenges in their farming journey. They spoke passionately about their on-farm practices and the timeline of their achievements. Reflecting on their experiences, the Stamps acknowledged the value of participating in the Outstanding Young Farmers Program.
The Stamps expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to share their story and the lessons they learned along the way. Engaging with other farmers and learning about the advancements and innovations in various sectors of agriculture left the couple inspired.
As farmers, one of the challenges lies in communicating the advancements and innovations within the agricultural industry to those outside the farming community, Greg said. The Stamps recognized the importance of bridging this communication gap and raising awareness about the evolving face of agriculture.
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SeQso is working as a machine tool supplier for the seed industry supplying a wide range of sorting and sowing equipment. Get to know the new FlexSorter series of seed sorters. Configurable sorters with up to 3 different camera systems (Color, X-Ray, NIR) powered with AI based sorting algorithms. Later this year we will add […]
The post SeQso Next Generation FlexSorter: Next Level High-performance seed-sorting – Seed World Webinar & Podcast appeared first on Seed World.
In this webinar we discuss the latest advancements in ag tech and how they’re affecting the seed sector. As planting season begins and growers have more options than ever before, it’s essential to understand how to guide your customers towards the best solutions.
The post Revolutionizing Agriculture: How Next-Gen AgTech is Advancing the Seed Industry – A Seed World Strategy Webinar & Podcast appeared first on Seed World.
As we navigate through a constantly evolving world, it’s crucial for managers to adapt their leadership styles to suit their team’s needs. With Baby boomers transitioning out of the workforce and Gen Z taking their place, it’s essential to explore how to manage diverse teams effectively.
The pandemic brought about significant changes in the way businesses operate, and managers need to be equipped with the right tools to lead their teams during these challenging times. As a team manager, it’s crucial to ask yourself, “Does my management style suit my team?”
During our webinar, we will explore the following key learning points:
- Discover your management style: Every manager has a unique management style, and understanding yours is the first step in leading your team effectively. We will discuss various management styles and how you can identify and adapt to the one that suits your team best.
- The influence of culture on teams: Culture plays a significant role in shaping how teams function. We will delve into how culture influences teams and how managers can create a culture that fosters teamwork, innovation, and productivity.
- Leading during changing times: The business world is constantly evolving, and managers need to be prepared for change. We will discuss how managers can lead their teams during changing times and how to navigate the challenges that come with it.
Speakers included are Jonathan Shaver, president and owner of Envision Partners LLC, Jake Ware, Business Manager for HM.Clause and chair of ASTA’s LEAD committee, and Rhonda Werner, director of people & culture of Ag1 Source.
Register for our next webinar:
Read and listen to more webinars at:Why Should Companies Invest in Social Media? – A Seed World Strategy Webinar
How Do Midterm Elections Affect the Seed Industry? – A Seed World Strategy Webinar…
Does Intellectual Property Actually Hinder U.S. Competition? – A Seed World Strategy Webinar &…
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Social media has rapidly developed within the last 20 years. According to the Pew Research Center, around seven in 10 Americans use social media to connect with one another, engage with news content, share information and entertain themselves — which is a stark difference even from 10 years ago in 2012, when only about 53% of U.S. adults used social media. Nowadays, businesses can’t ignore the value that social media can bring to their marketing and education approach. But, are you using it the right way?
What you will learn:
-Why should you invest in social media
-Where seed and agribusinesses are finding the most value
-The do’s and don’ts of social media
Presenters
Charles Tweed, Owner of Tweedia
Sarah Cornelisse, Senior Extension Associate at Penn State University
The post Why Should Companies Invest in Social Media? – A Seed World Strategy Webinar appeared first on Seed World.
Editor’s Note: The bulk of this story was originally published in 2020. The United Nations declared Nov. 15, 2022, the Day of 8 Billion. The UN now projects the world population to hit 8 billion, but it is acknowledging that the overall growth rate of the global population is slowing, not accelerating. We all know […]
The post The UN says World Population Growth is Slowing. Darrell Bricker says it’s no Surprise appeared first on Seed World.
About The Webinar In this webinar, Platform Genetics will present end-to-end solutions for mutation-based trait development.In this webinar, you’ll learn: Speaker: Michael Pautler, Head of Genomics ServicesMichael Pautler, PhD, is head of Genomics Services for Platform Genetics where he is responsible for scientific operations as well as global business development. Mike takes pride in serving […]
The post Designer Crops on Demand: Risk-managed trait development – A Seed World Strategy Webinar & Podcast appeared first on Seed World.
November Midterm elections are rapidly approaching. While this could mean change for the U.S. in terms of policy and regulations, it also could have ramifications for the U.S. seed industry. This year’s election is especially important as we approach some key aspects of regulation — particularly the 2023 Farm Bill. With changes potentially in both […]
The post How Do Midterm Elections Affect the Seed Industry? – A Seed World Strategy Webinar & Podcast appeared first on Seed World.
Luis Salazar’s career in plant breeding began at a craft store. “Back in the day, when I was about 11, my family and I were at a Hobby Lobby. I found a growing kit for carnivorous plants. The North American species of carnivorous plants, most of them require something called stratification for the seeds, where […]
The post For Luis Salazar, a Love of Plant Breeding Began at Hobby Lobby appeared first on Seed World.
For Mary-Francis LaPorte, the world of computers is like a playground. LaPorte is a third-year Ph.D Candidate at the University of California Davis. She works in Dr. Christine Diepenbrock’s lab, studying genomic prediction of carotenoid traits in tropical and subtropical maize grain. Prior to graduate school, she studied plant biology at the University of Oklahoma. […]
The post Mary-Francis LaPorte is all About the Data appeared first on Seed World.
When Emmanuel Gonzalez was a kid growing up in El Centro, CA, he developed an interest in both astronomy. Who knew looking up at the stars would lead to a fascination with plants. He decided to pursue his interest in plants by earning a BS in Biology with an emphasis in plant biology from Pacific […]
The post How the Night Sky Helped Emmanuel Gonzalez Love Plant Breeding appeared first on Seed World.
Did you know waxy sorghum can weather in the field faster than its non-waxy counterpart? Turns out that might not be true after all. Mitchell Kent grew up in central Illinois where he received a bachelor’s degree in crop science from the University of Illinois. Mitchell then moved to Texas where he received a master’s […]
The post Mitchell Kent Makes a Sorghum Discovery appeared first on Seed World.
Growing up on a farm isn’t all its cracked up to be. That’s exactly why Sam McDonald decided to get into plant breeding. Sam McDonald is a Ph.D candidate at the University of Georgia. He works in the soybean breeding and Genetics Lab led by Dr. Zenglu Li. He received his B.S. from the University […]
The post The Bad Side of Growing up on a Farm Made Sam McDonald Want to be in Plant Science appeared first on Seed World.
Gurleen Kaur is a PhD candidate at the University of Florida majoring in Horticultural Sciences and is slated to graduate in December 2022. She wants to work in the private industry in plant breeding after graduation. She works on tomato flavor improvement with Dr. Harry Klee using omics techniques, bioinformatics, and gene editing. She sat […]
The post Gurleen Kaur on Why the George Washington Carver Scholars Program is so Important appeared first on Seed World.
Plant breeding student Cassie Newman specializes in peanut breeding. She’s a third year PhD student at North Carolina State University, where she directly integrated new genomic and phenomic technologies into a peanut breeding program which previously used only phenotypic recurrent selection for cultivar development. Her project culminates in a genome wide association study where resistance […]
The post Cassie Newman on Why There’s More to Peanuts Than You Think appeared first on Seed World.
Target spot, or early blight, is one of the most common diseases attacking leaves and stems of tomato. Edgar Sierra Orozco is a National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) Borlaug Scholar and PhD Candidate in the Horticultural Sciences department of the University of Florida. He works at the tomato breeding lab at the Gulf Coast […]
The post Edgar Sierra Orozco Might Have Hit a Tomato Resistance Target Bullseye appeared first on Seed World.
Andrew Horgan, National Association of Plant Breeders 2022 Borlaug Scholar and Texas A&M grad student, sits down to chat about working with fruit and how an experience with a failed coffee startup taught him some valuable lessons in business. Interview conducted today at the NAPB annual meeting in Ames, Iowa. Read More from NAPB: Didn’t […]
The post Why Andy Horgan Wears his Failed Startup Like a Badge of Honor appeared first on Seed World.
Sarah Jones is a PhD student in Plant Breeding in the Soynomics group at Iowa State University and a 2022 National Association of Plant Breeders Borlaug Scholar. Studying with Dr. Danny Singh, she researches phenotyping strategies to improve drought tolerance in soybean. Her love for plant breeding came from some unlikely places. “I have an […]
The post How a Texas College Football Rivalry Made Sarah Jones Want to be a Plant Breeder appeared first on Seed World.
Imagine a world is 185 million more hungry people. According to USDA Economic Research Services data, if the Green Deal with Farm to Fork strategies are adopted globally that will be the new reality. Food prices will increase, overall production will decrease and quality of life even outside of food impoverished countries will suffer. The EU Commission says […]
The post Lower Yields, Pest Infestations and More Hunger: Welcome to a Global Green Deal – A Seed World Strategy Webinar & Podcast appeared first on Seed World.
You can move your business to have a more sustainable future. It’s a big task, and it all starts with a conversation about sustainability. Sustainability is more than a buzz word these days. It’s everywhere in the political world: everyone wants to examine where climate change stems from and how to fix it. Without a doubt, […]
The post Can You Defend Your Sustainability Practices? Are they Enough? – A Seed World Strategy Webinar appeared first on Seed World.
Are you helping your customers reach every potential when it comes to understanding data?
Data doesn’t need to be unmanageable. Sure, there’s data coming in from every facet of agriculture — breeding data, agronomic data… even economic data! But that doesn’t mean customers should be overwhelmed by it. That’s where seed businesses come in. Businesses across the sector are looking at how to make data more accessible and transparent. But what are their recommendations to help customers out? We’ll hear from experts to teach us how to make data work for the customer, and in the end, teach our crops to talk to us.LEARNING POINTS:
What can you learn from data?We’ll hear what different types of data you can pull all the way from the R&D side of plant breeding to the boots on the ground side in the field.How can you manage your data?What tools are out in the world to make data access easier? Experts will describe tools available to customers to better help their operation.How can you make your data actionable?When it comes down to it, data is useless if you don’t learn anything from it. Experts will help teach us how to make data actionable for customers to help in future field and R&D planning.
Will there be more data in the future?No one can predict the future, but we’ll ask experts to ponder what the future of data looks like. Maybe one day, crops will really “talk” to us!
The post How Can Big Data Teach Plants To Talk? – A Seed World Strategy Webinar appeared first on Seed World.
On this week’s podcast we interview Deus Mugabe, chair of the organizing committee of this year’s 2021 Corteva Agricultural Sciences Symposium, about this year’s event which takes place Nov. 19 and will highlight scientific innovations to improve current farming systems. Sponsored by Corteva Agriscience and hosted by the University of Guelph, the Corteva Agricultural Sciences […]
The post Why You Should Sign up for the 2021 Corteva Agricultural Sciences Symposium appeared first on Seed World.
Soybeans are taking off in the U.S., and luckily, there’s every soybean trait a grower could ever want on the market. So how do you stay competitive in a world that’s constantly innovating? What You Will Learn During this Webinar: • What trends to look out for in soybeans • How to respond to new […]
The post Staying Competitive in a Soybean Market – A Seed World Strategy Webinar & Podcast appeared first on Seed World.
The U.S. has faced everything in the past few years — from flooding to drought! But how are we working to breed corn for extreme weather conditions? What are breeders looking for, and what are they doing to innovate? During this webinar, you will learn: -Current breeding endeavors to respond to the weather -What traits are […]
The post Saving Corn from the Drought – A Seed World Strategy Webinar & Podcast appeared first on Seed World.
The pandemic has raged throughout the globe for over a year at this point, and while an end is in site, anxiety levels are still at a new high. Has anyone asked you: “How’s your mental health?” In this webinar, we’ll learn how to look for signs to see if someone needs some support when […]
The post How’s Your Mental Health – A Seed World Strategy Webinar & Podcast appeared first on Seed World.
Robin Groose is a retired associate professor of agroecology and plant breeding at the University of Wyoming. He’s also incoming chair of the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) Advocacy Committee, which works to identify issues and topics for the NAPB to promote. He sat down to discuss his vision for the committee and how […]
The post Robin Groose Wants to Make a Better World for Future Generations appeared first on Seed World.
Ksenija Gasic is a stone fruit breeder and incoming president of the National Association of Plant Breeders. She sat down to talk about her latest research and her vision for the NAPB as she fills the president’s chair. The NAPB is holding its virtual meeting this week, hosted by Cornell University. “The formation of the […]
The post Ksenija Gasic’s Adventures in Peach Breeding appeared first on Seed World.
The National Association for Plant Breeders (NAPB) Friends of Plant Breeding Award honors individuals whose career may or may not have been involved in plant breeding, but who, through their professional activities and passion have contributed significantly to the advancement of the plant breeding discipline. The 2020 recipient is Dr. Donn Cummings, who will speak […]
The post Donn Cummings Remembers Norman Borlaug appeared first on Seed World.
Mark Earl Sorrells, professor in school of Integrative Plant Science Plant Breeding and Genetics Section at Cornell University, sits down to chat about planning this year’s National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) virtual meeting. The meeting is being hosted by Cornell and takes place Aug. 15-19, 2021. To register visit https://napb2021.com/. Mark will give the […]
The post NAPB 2021: Mark Sorrells on the Challenges of Planning a Virtual Meeting appeared first on Seed World.
Dave Bubeck, president of the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) and research director for Corteva Agriscience, sits down to discuss the 2021 virtual meeting of the NAPB and how to sign up. The event takes place Aug. 15-19, 2021. For info visit napb2021.com. The first plenary meeting on the schedule is the Meeting Kick […]
The post Dave Bubeck on Why You Should Definitely Sign Up for NAPB 2021 appeared first on Seed World.
In our latest Seed World Podcast Series, Szabolcs Ruthner, regulatory affairs manager of the International Seed Federation (ISF) joins Editor Alex Martin to talk about everything from a pandemic-filled year to how he’s working with the new Key Strategic Objectives (KSOs) of ISF. Ruthner says one of the biggest challenges ISF faced in 2020 was […]
The post Szabolcs Ruthner has a Passion for Plant Breeding Innovation appeared first on Seed World.
Michelle Klieger, editorial director for Seed World Pro and an economist based in Massachusetts, talks to Marc Zienkiewicz about the coming U.S. presidential election and what the future could look like under both a Donald Trump and Joe Biden administration.
SeedWorld PRO podcast host, Michelle Klieger sits down with Jeff Nawn, CEO of North Hill Group to discuss recent consumer research his company conducted in Japan. His team surveyed consumers across genders and ages in Japan to learn about their attitudes toward GMOs and gene edited products. They also learned what attributes consumers care about.
Shawn Brook, President of the Seed World Group, sits down to talk with Garlich von Essen, Euroseeds Secretary-General, about a whole new experience during the upcoming Euroseeds2020 Virtual Congress! Von Essen talks also about how the COVID-19 crisis has affected the industry and about the role of Euroseeds and its members in important policy discussions […]
In this Innovation Series Podcast, Shawn Brook sits down with Rob McClelland, the managing director of Meristem. Rob shares that although at one point in time Meristem’s technology might have been called “snake oil,” they’re working hard to prove to make products like biologicals are valuable technologies for farmers. Their technology looks to increase yield, […]
In episode three of Rebel Rules with Oliver Manufacturing, Lauren Wilken and Troy Jackson, regional territory managers of Oliver Manufacturing, sit down with Shawn Brook. One word that really popped up during this interview was “customer-centric,” and Wilken and Jackson both share their ideas of putting the customer first. In addition, both talk about their […]
Popcorn — it’s been the snack of the movie theater since World War II. Now, it’s moving out of the realm of movies and into our homes … In a healthier way! In this webinar, we’ll look at how popcorn is being bred for its nutritional quality, and how seed companies are responding to the […]
Q&A with: Kofi Agblor, Strategic Advisor SWP: Tell us a little about yourself and your early experiences with agriculture? Kofi: I was born and educated in Ghana, have an honors B.Sc. degree in agriculture, majoring in crop science (protection) option. My mother was a cocoa and rice farmer and I helped to introduce the first […]
In episode two of Rebel Rules, Shawn Brook sits down with Joe Pentlicki, vice president and COO of Oliver Manufacturing, and Ian Ely, director of South American Operations of Oliver Manufacturing. Together, they talk about innovation and how staying connected is critical to Oliver Manufacturing — specifically in the difficult times of COVID-19. While both […]
The 2020 annual meeting of the National Association of Plant Breeders is going virtual. It is the 10th annual meeting of the NAPB and was supposed to have physically taken place in Lincoln, Nebraska. “We would have loved to have people come to Lincoln for this event, but obviously going virtual would be best for all […]
Since the mid-1980’s Puerto Rico has served as a winter location for plant breeders and seed producers. Its warm climate and rich soils have helped accelerate the development of new hybrids and varieties. Illinois Crop Improvement started with hybrid corn growouts on one-quarter of an acre. While meeting the OECD post control requirements for hybrid […]
Shawn Brook, president of Seed World, learns why innovation and creative problem solving gets Brian Burney, president of Oliver Manufacturing, and Dave Means, customer service manager of Oliver Manufacturing, out of bed in the morning. What you will learn during this webinar: Behind the scenes insights from key Oliver Manufacturing staff Staying connected with customers during [â¦]
Guest host Jenny Schweigert talks to Lincoln Thomas about his role as a lab technician. This interview weaves together many of the advice on Seed World PRO from the hiring experts at AgCareers.com and then talent management advice offered by Purdue University. Lincoln lacked the technical experience when he started his job. However, his soft [â¦]
We all know the world population is set to hit 9 billion by 2050. Or is it? Darrell Bricker says itâs not going to happen, and we should prepare to have fewer mouths to feed â not more. Everyone knows the world population is rapidly expanding, set to hit the 9 billion mark by 2050 [â¦]
This webinar will present the recent advancements in custom SNP panel design using whole genome analysis and review various genotyping technologies, optimized for different agricultural use cases. During this session youâll learn: ⢠Why understanding your diversity is key to efficient and applicable genotyping⢠Which various genotyping methods should be applied for different species and [â¦]
During this episode of Seed World PROâs Podcast, host Michelle Klieger sits down with Sarah Beth Aubrey of Aubrey Coaching & Training for a two-part series on workplace transitions. In this episode, Sarah Beth shares why there are more women on farms and in agriculture and how that is shifting the culture.
Dr. Allan Gray, executive director of the Center for Food and Agricultural Business and director of the MS-MBA in Food and Agribusiness Management, speaks with Seed World PRO host, Michelle Klieger about aligning talent and strategy. By aligning core companies with strategic taken companies can earn above-average profits and maximize their competitive advantages. Sounds complicated? [â¦]
During this episode of Seed World PROâs Podcast, host Michelle Klieger sits down with Sarah Beth Aubrey of Aubrey Coaching & Training for a two-part series on workplace transitions. In this episode, Sarah Beth gives five tips for helping coach your next generation. Here is a sneak peek: Find your why Take inventory of roles [â¦]
Seed World PRO was built on three pillars concierge, content, and community. Unlock the full potential of your membership with this guided tour by Editorial Director Michelle Klieger. She shares her favorite tools and resources as well as explains how the site is laid out. This is video is for people thinking about joining PRO, new members, [â¦]
Jodi Daniels is Founder and CEO of Red Clover Advisors, a privacy consultancy, helping companies create privacy programs, build customer trust and achieve GDPR, CCPA, and US privacy law compliance. Jodi helps companies with daily operations such as data mapping, individual rights, training, policies, etc. and also serves as a fractional chief privacy officer. In [â¦]
Marc Zienkiewicz gives you the latest news highlights to help you keep informed on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the seed industry. This interview features Renee Shepherd of Reneeâs Garden and Colleen Acres of the Ontario Seed Growers Association (OSGA). We talk about why thereâs a huge demand for garden seed right now and [â¦]